document subtitle]

Study Number – 187

Assessment of the Status of Dairying and Potential to Improve Socio-Economic Status of the Milk Producers in West Bengal

Debanshu Majumder

Ranjan K. Biswas Bitan Mondal Ashok Sinha

Study sponsored by Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare

Government of India, New Delhi

Agro-Economic Research Centre (For the States of West Bengal, Sikkim and Andaman & Nicobar Islands)

Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan West Bengal

October 2017

Study No –187

Assessment of the Status of Dairying and Potential to Improve

Socio-Economic Status of the Milk Producers in West Bengal

Debanshu Majumder

Ranjan K. Biswas

Bitan Mondal

Ashok Sinha

Study sponsored by Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare

Government of India, New Delhi

Agro-Economic Research Centre

(For the States of West Bengal, Sikkim and Andaman & Nicobar Islands)

Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan

West Bengal

October – 2017

Citation:

AERC (2017). Assessment of the Status of Dairying and Potential to Improve Socio-Economic

Status of the Milk Producers in West Bengal; Study No. - 187, Agro-Economic Research Centre

(For the States of West Bengal, Sikkim and Andaman & Nicobar Islands), Visva-Bharati,

Santiniketan, West Bengal, pp.- xxiv+139

Project Team:

Team Leader

Debanshu Majumder

Drafting and Report Writing

Debanshu Majumder

Ranjan K. Biswas

Bitan Mondal

Field Survey and Tabulation

Ashok Sinha

Vivekananda Datta

Debajit Roy

Nityananda Maji

Munsi Abdul Khaleque

Ranjan K. Biswas

Debanshu Majumder

Secretarial Assistance

Dibyendu Mondal

Parag Mitra

Debsankar Das

Amulya Ratan Patra

Coordinator

Agro-Economic Research Centre, Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidyanagar,

Anand, Gujarat.

Disclaimer: AERC Report No. 187© Agro-Economic Research Centre, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan,

West Bengal.

Preface

The study on “Assessment of the Status of Dairying and Potential to Improve Socio-Economic

Status of the Milk Producers in West Bengal” is an All India Coordinated Study and was carried

out at the Agro-Economic Research Centre, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, West Bengal at the

instance of Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, New Delhi. The

task of coordination has been entrusted with Agro-Economic Research Centre, Sardar Patel

University, Vallabh Vidyanagar, Anand, Gujarat.

Dairying is an important and integral part of the rural economy of West Bengal, which is

perceived to be an effective instrument for bringing socio-economic transformation in the

state. It contributes nearly one-fifth to the agricultural value of output and provides

employment to about 2 million people, the majority of whom are resource-poor. Production of

total milk in the state has increased from a mere 35 lakh metric tones in 2000-01 to over 50

lakh metric tones in 2015-16. However, organized dairying is yet to achieve its full potential in

the state. Despite of impressive growth in milk production, productivity of dairy animals

continues to remain very low and milk marketing system is mostly dominated by unorganized

sector. The major share of milk production of the state is used for the manufacture of

traditional dairy products (channa) by unorganized sector. Further, not only the state has

predominantly indigenous cows, mostly non-descript, the infrastructure for milk procurement

and milk processing in the state is also very poor. Therefore, the state needs special attention

as it seems to be lagging behind in dairying as compared to several states in India. The present

study provides a detailed documentation of the dairy landscape in West Bengal.

The task of completion of this study was assigned to Debanshu Majumder, as Team Leader. He

was assisted by Ranjan Kumar Biswas, Ashok Sinha, Dabajit Roy, Vivekananda Datta, Munshi

Abdul Khaleque and Nityananda Maji in field survey, data entry and tabulation. Secretarial

assistance was provided by D. Mondal, D. Das, P. Mitra and A.R. Patra. B. Singh and S. Hansda

helped in the office maintenance. Dr. Bitan Mondal, Institute of Agriculture also helped in

compiling secondary information as well as in drafting the report.

We acknowledge the generosity of Prof. Swapan Kumar Dutta, Vice Chancellor (Officiating)

Visva-Bharati, and Madam Ms. Sangeeta Verma (Economic and Statistical Adviser) and Shri P. C.

Bodh (Adviser-AER Division) of Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Ministry of Agriculture

and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, New Delhi for their guidance and necessary support

in completion of the study. We also thank Prof. Bidhan C. Roy, Hony. Deputy Director, AER

Centre, Visva-Bharati, for his support and comments on the draft of the present study.

We are extremely indebted to Ms. Dora Saha, Manager, SAS, National Dairy Development

Board (NDDB), Kolkata, for her guidance and active support in course of the study without

which the present project would not have been completed.

ii

We are equally indebted to Dr. Amrita Patel, Former Chairman, NDDB, Anand and for her

guidance and useful suggestions/comments during the National Workshop cum Seminar held in

AER Centre, VVN, Anand. We thank our respected colleagues from the participating AER

Centres for their comments during the workshop. A word of appreciation is also to Mr. Biswajit

Bhattacharya, NDDB, Anand for his valued opinion and supplying secondary information

regarding dairying in the state.

We are deeply grateful to the Managing Directors, District Milk Unions of Bankura, Nadia, North

and South Twenty Four Parganas for providing the necessary data and support in course of

primary data collection.

We are particularly thankful to Prof. S. S. Kalamkar, Hon’ble Director, AERC, Vallabh Vidyanagar,

Anand, Gujarat for his effective coordination of the study and for his valuable suggestions and

comments which he rendered from time to time in course of the study.

Last but not the least; thanks are due to innumerable respondents in the villages who

ungrudgingly took the pain of answering to our questions for hours at end. We thank each one

of them for their invaluable support.

Prof. Amit Kumar Hazra

Registrar (Acting)

&

Hony. Director

Agro-Economic Research Centre

Visva –Bharati, Santiniketan

iii

Contents

Preface i-ii

List of Tables v-vii

List of Figures viii

List of Maps viii

Executive Summary ix-xxiv

Chapter I Dairy Development in West Bengal

1.1 Prelude

1.2 Role of Dairy Sector in State Economy of West Bengal

1.3 Trend in Contribution of Dairy in GSDP

1.4 Composition of Livestock & details on Cow and Buffalo Breeds

in West Bengal State

1.5 Planwise Outlay and Expenditure under Dairy Development

1.6 Growth in Milk Production and Productivity (Regional trend)

1.7 Milk Consumption and Marketable Surplus

1.8 Status of Availability of Feed and Fodder

1.9 Infrastructure Development

1.10 Need of the study

1.11Objectives of the study

1.12 Data and Methodology

1.13 Limitation of the Study

1.14 Organization of Report

1-39 1

4

6

7

15

16

23

25

27

29

31

32

38

39

Chapter II Status of Dairy Development Institutions in West Bengal 2.1 Introduction

2.2 Dairy Development Institutions

40-61 40

40

Chapter III Policies and Programmes/ Schemes for Dairy

Development 3.1 Introduction

3.2 Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development

62-67

62

63

Chapter IV Socio-Economic Profile of Selected Milk Unions,

PDCS/Private Units and Milk Producers 4.1 About Selected Study Area and Milk Unions

4.2 About the Study Villages

4.3 About Sample PDCS & Private Dairy Units

4.4 About the Sample Households

4.5 Chapter Summary

68-83

68

72

76

78

82

iv

Chapter V Cost of Milk Production & Awareness about the Schemes 5.1 Introduction

5.2 Breedable Animals

5.3 Labour Use Pattern

5.4 Details on Feed/Fodder and Water

5.5 Details on Veterinary and Breeding Services and Expenditures

5.6 Awareness about the Schemes

5.7 Cost of Milk Production

5.8 Chapter Summary

84-101 84

84

88

89

93

94

96

99

Chapter VI Milk Consumption and Marketable Surplus 6.1 Introduction

6.2 Use of Milk at Home and Processing

6.3 Sale of Milk and Cost of Milk Marketing

6.4 Handling of Income from Dairying

6.5 Problems in Milk Marketing

6.6 Chapter Summary

102-110 102

102

104

107

108

109

Chapter VII Constrains faced in Production and Marketing of Milk

and Suggestions 7.1 Introduction

7.2 Service Delivery System

7.3 Infrastructural Constraints

7.4 Economic Constraints

7.5 Marketing Constraints

7.6 Technical Constraints

7.7 Socio-Psychological Constraints

7.8 Other Constraints

7.9 Suggestions

7.10 Constraints faced by PDCS /Private Dairy Units

7.11 Constraints faced by Milk Unions

7.12 Chapter Summary

111-130

111

111

115

117

118

119

119

120

122

123

126

128

Chapter VIII Conclusions and Recommendations 8.1 Conclusions

8.2 Suggestions

131-134 131

133

References 135-137

Annexures 138-139

v

List of Tables

Table

No. Title of the Table Page

1.1 Contribution of Gross Value of Output and Gross Value Added from

Agriculture and Livestock Sector to Total GSDP at Current Prices of West

Bengal State

7

1.2 Value of Output: Agriculture and Livestock 8

1.3 Growth of the Livestock in West Bengal and India 9

1.4 Species-wise Livestock Population & its Share in Total Livestock 9

1.5 Growth in Livestock Population in West Bengal - 1951 to 2012 10

1.6 District wise Percentage share of Animals in Total Livestock Population 12

1.7 District-wise Livestock and Bovine Density (1992-2012) 13

1.8 Distribution of West Bengal’s Cattle Breeds 13

1.9 Performance of Cattle and Buffalo Breeds 14

1.10 Livestock per 100 Households across Landholding Size: West Bengal 14

1.11 No of Major Livestock Species per 100 Households across Landholding

Size in West Bengal (1982 & 1992)

15

1.12 Number per 1000 of Households Reporting Owning Livestock of Different

Types for Each Size Class of Households Operational Holdings in West

Bengal (Rural) 2002-03

16

1.13 Plan-wise Outlay and Expenditure on Animal Husbandry and Dairy

Development in West Bengal

18

1.14 Milk Production in West Bengal: 2000-01 to 2015-16 19

1.15 District-wise & Category-wise Percentage Share of Milk Production in

West Bengal

22

1.16 Milk Utilisation Pattern in Households in West Bengal (1997-98 to 2015-

16)

25

1.17 Dry matter Availability, Requirement and Surplus/Deficit in West Bengal 26

1.18 Veterinary Infrastructure and Manpower in West Bengal State 28

1.19 Growth in Infrastructure Facilities for Animal Husbandry in West Bengal 28

1.20 District wise Number of Veterinary Institutions in West Bengal (2012 –

2013)

29

1.21 Details about Bulk Cooler, Automatic Milk Collection Systems and Chilling

Centres facility with Dairy Cooperative Societies in West Bengal

30

1.22 Selected Three Agro-Climatic Regions in West Bengal 33

1.23 Sampling Frameworks 34

1.24 Total numbers of selected DCS and NDCS Milk Producers in West Bengal

state

34

1.25 Selected villages/talukas/districts/Milk unions in West Bengal 35

2.1 Institutions Responsible for Dairy Development and their responsibilities 40

2.2 Physical Capacities and Capacity Utilization in different dairies 42

2.3 Status of Chilling Plants of Directorate of Dairy Development 43

vi

2.4 Dairy-wise Utilization of Raw Materials and Production of Milk & Milk

Products

44

2.5 Production of Milk and Milk Products 44

2.6 Schemes of the Directorate of Dairy Development (2012 - 2013) 44

2.7 Procurement Price of Raw Milk per kg (4.5% Fat / 8.5% SNF) 49

2.8 Daily average Milk Procurement from DCS / WDCS of the Milk Unions

during the year 2013 - 14

50

2.9 A Brief Account of Different Projects during 2013 -14 (in Rs. Lakh) 52

2.10 Details of National Dairy Plan-I (NDP-I) (2013-14) in Different Milk

Unions (in Rs. Lakh)

54

2.11 Profit & Loss Status of Milk Unions (in Rs. Lakh) 55

2.12 Physical Achievements of WBCMPF 56

2.13 Infrastructure as on 31st March 2014 in Co-op Sector 57

2.14 Performance of Milk Union during 2013-14 58

2.15 Performance at Glance 60

2.16 District-wise Outlets of Mother Dairy Calcutta 61

3.1 Central schemes for Animal Husbandry Development 63

3.2 State Schemes 66

3.3 Central Schemes for Dairy development in the State 66

3.4 State Schemes for Dairy Development 67

4.1 Selected Milk Producers’ Cooperative Unions inWest Bengal 69

4.2 Details of Selected Milk Producers’ Cooperative Unions in West Bengal

2015-16

69

4.3 Milk Unions in the Selected Districts 71

4.4 Number of Milk Cooperative Societies in West Bengal 72

4.5 Milk Processing Plants in the Sample District 72

4.6 Details of Production and Marketing of Processed Products by Selected

Milk Producers’ Cooperative Unions in West Bengal 2015-16

73

4.8 Basic details of Selected DCS Villages (2011 Census) 74

4.9 Basic details of Selected NDCS Villages (2011 Census) 75

4.10 Profile of Selected PDCS & Private Dairy Units in West Bengal 2015-16 77

4.11 Family Profile of Selected Households 78

4.12 Socio-Economic Characteristics of Selected Households 80

4.13 Cropping Pattern of Sample Households (2015-16) 81

5.1 Details on Herd Strength & Cattle Shed – DCS Households 85

5.2 Details on Herd Strength & Cattle Shed – NDCS Households 85

5.3 Details of Animals Breeds for DCS & NDCS 86

5.4 Details of Breedable Animals with DCS Households on Survey Date 86

5.5 Details of Breedable Animals with NDCS Households on Survey Date 87

5.6 Season-wise Milk Yield (Per day) of Selected HH 2015-16 87

5.7 Labour Use Pattern -DCS Households 88

5.8 Labour Use Pattern -NDCS Households 89

5.9 Details of Feed and Fodder (at the Time of Survey) 90

vii

5.10 Availability of Water for Dairy activities- DCS households 91

5.11 Availability of Water for Dairy activities- NDCS households 92

5.12 Details of Veterinary and Breeding Expenditure During Last One Year DCS

Households

93

5.13 Details of Veterinary and Breeding Expenditure During Last One Year

NDCS Households

94

5.14 Details on Awareness About Various Schemes 95

5.15 Cost of Cow Milk Production and Net Returns- DCS households 97

5.16 Cost of Cow Milk Production and Net Returns- NDCS households 98

6.1 Production and Use of Milk by selected DCS Households (day of visit) 103

6.2 Production and Use of Milk by selected NDCS Households (day of visit) 103

6.3 Sale of Milk and Cost of Milk Marketing- DCS Households 105

6.4 Sale of Milk and Cost of Milk Marketing- NDCS Households 106

6.5 Details about Income received from Dairying and its use 107

7.1 Details of Input and Output Service Delivery Experienced by DCS

households

112

7.2 Details of Input and Output Service Delivery Experienced by NDCS

households

114

7.3 Details on Infrastructural Constraints faced by Selected Households 116

7.4 Details on Economic Constraints faced by Selected Households 117

7.5 Details on Marketing Constraints faced by Selected Households 118

7.6 Details on Technical Constraints faced by Selected Households 119

7.7 Details on Socio-Psychological Constraints faced by Selected Households 120

7.8 Details on Other Constraints faced by Selected Households 121

7.9 Suggestions for improvement in adoption of dairy schemes 123

7.10 Milk Supply related Constraints faced by the PDCS & Private Dairy Units 124

7.11 Infrastructure related Constraints faced by the PDCS & Private Dairy

Units

125

7.12 Market related Constraints faced by the PDCS & Private Dairy Units 125

7.13 Constraints faced by Milk Unions-West Bengal 127

viii

List of Figures

Figure No. Title of the Figure Page

1.1 Contribution of Gross Value of Output from Livestock sector to

Agriculture (At current price) in West Bengal: 2004-05 to 2013-14

6

1.2 Species-wise Share in Total livestock Population in West Bengal (1961-

2012)

10

1.3 District wise Share in Total Livestock Population in West Bengal 2012

(%)

11

1.4 Plan wise Outlay & Expenditure on Animal Husbandry & Dairy

Development in West Bengal State

17

1.5 Trends in Total Milk production in West Bengal state (2000-01 to 2015-

16)

19

1.6 Species wise Trends in Total Milk Productivity in West Bengal state 20

1.7 Year wise In milk Bovine Population, Milk Yield and Bovine Milk

Production

21

1.8 District wise Milk Production in West Bengal (2015-16) 21

1.9 Species wise District wise Milk Yield (kg/day) 2014-15 23

1.10 District wise Milk Production Density and Per Capita Availability of Milk

(2012-13)

25

1.11 District wise Area under Fodder Crops in West Bengal 2007-08 27

2.1 Daily Average Milk Procurement and Percent procured by different

Milk Unions

50

List of Maps

Map No. Title of the Maps Page

1.1 District wise Yield of Species 24

1.2 Six Agro-Climatic Regions of West Bengal 36

1.3 Selected Agro-Climatic Regions of West Bengal 37

ix

Executive Summary

E1.1 Introduction

Dairying plays a vital role in rural economy by providing employment and income generating

opportunities particularly for small, marginal and women farmers and landless labourers.

Bullocks and milch animal are the main support of agricultural operations and also a major

source of supplementary income to the marginal and small farmer and landless agricultural

labourers. On the other hand, the by-products of agricultural produce happen to be the chief

ingredients of food for cattle and milch animals. The requisite labour for keeping dairy animals

is also available from within the farmer’s family. A very large portion of female labour force of

cultivator households gets self-employment in several occupations allied to cattle and buffalo

rearing.

E1.2 Need of the study

Over the periods since independence shift from cultivators to agriculture labourers has been

significant in West Bengal. There is a critical need for generating adequate employment

opportunities for these groups of population. Dairy farming may become an alternative way of

livelihood. However, the productivity levels of milch animals are quite low and that the genetic

pool of the milch animal population is of low quality, despite the fact that this region has

relatively superior resource endowment.

The dairy cooperative structure has been rather weak in these parts of the country in terms of

coverage of dairy cooperatives in villages, milk producers and share of milk procurement in

surplus milk. But there is immense potentiality for using agricultural wastes as cheap and

economical cattle ration. Moreover, preponderance of indigenous animals in the study area

could minimise the impact of climatic variability as they are more resilient to such changes.

It is in this light we had taken up the study with following objectives.

E1.3 Objectives of the study

a) To assess the present status of dairying with reference to animal distribution, milk

production, consumption and marketable surplus.

x

b) To identify the constraints in dairy development from supply side, institutional deficiency

and processing infrastructure.

c) To identify different central and state government schemes related to dairy development

at district level and document technical as well as operational details of the schemes and

understand how convergence is ensured.

d) To highlight the facilitating factors that could help promoting dairy development to

improve socio economic status of the milk producers.

e) To suggest broad areas for focussed interventions for promoting dairy development in the

selected state and the way forward.

f) To suggest suitable policy measures to ensure compliance of effective convergence of

various schemes for the benefits of dairy farmers.

E1.4 Data and Methodology

The study is based on both, the secondary and primary level data. The secondary data pertain

to dairy development efforts and information as regards to various schemes implemented by

the government while primary data from villages were collected using a multistage sampling

procedure.

Four districts (viz. Bankura, Nadia, North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas) were selected

from 3 respective agro-climatic regions of the state in consultation with National Dairy

Development Board (NDDB), Kolkata. In each district two CD blocks (one having close proximity

with District HQ and the other one a far-away) were chosen at the second stage. In the next

stage, two villages were so selected that one having Dairy Cooperative Society and the other

did not come under such coverage (henceforth DCS & NDCS villages). Thus, total numbers of

selected villages in the State were 16. From each selected village, 15 milk producers (5 from

each category of small, medium and large milk producers) were selected randomly adding to a

total sample of 240 milk producers in the State. All milk producers were interviewed with a

structured questionnaire. In addition, data on parameters related cost of milk production were

collected from 03 milk producers from each village (one each from three categories), thus total

48 milk producers.

xi

Officials of every District Milk Union (DMU) and Primary Dairy Cooperative Society (PDCS) were

interviewed and data were collected with a structured schedule.

E1.5 Limitation of the Study

The most important limitation of this study is that published information for Animal Husbandry

and Dairying in West Bengal state is too scanty than the requirement of the study. This

restricted us to analyse few important dimension of the study, as compared to other states,

which requires comparable and continuous time-series data on several variables related to

dairying and animal husbandry in West Bengal.

E1.6 Findings from Secondary Data

E1.6.1 Trend in Contribution of Dairy in GSDP in West Bengal

Animal husbandry plays an important role in rural economy of West Bengal state. The

contribution of Livestock was 4.30 per cent to the state GSDP in 2013-14. On the other hand,

the contribution of agriculture to total GSDP was 12.35 per cent. The contribution of agriculture

and livestock to total GSDP was estimated to be 16.64 per cent, while contribution of livestock

to agriculture and livestock together was nearly 26 per cent. Thus, more than one fourth of the

agriculture sector output comes from livestock sector. The share of GVO from livestock to

agriculture sector has remained between 20.57 - 25.81 per cent with some little fluctuation

during the last one and half decade.

Livestock contributes more than 20 per cent to the agricultural GDP of West Bengal and is one

of the biggest sectors for supporting livelihood in the state. Livestock output at constant prices

was reported at Rs. 288.75 billion in 2011-12 (at constant prices), of which milk contributes

about 47.15 per cent or Rs. 136.16 billion.

E1.6.2 Composition of Livestock & details on Cow and Buffalo Breeds in West

Bengal

However, over the period, share of cattle population in total livestock population has declined

from 65.45 per cent in 1961 to 54.42 per cent in 2012. The share of buffalo population has also

decreased considerably (5.62% to 1.97%) during the corresponding period. In absolute term,

the rate of cattle population increases by 43.90%, while the rate of buffalo population

xii

decreases by 39.45 %. In case of small ruminants, sheep population has increased by 101 per

cent and goat population increased by 154.95 per cent in 2012 over 1961. Total livestock

population in West Bengal has increased by 73.07 per cent during last five decades period.

The State has some high-quality and high-yielding breeds of cattle and buffaloes. Sahiwal, Gir,

Jersey and Holstein Friesian breeds in cows, and Murrah breed in buffaloes were known for

their high milk yielding capacity. The Jersey breed is found in all over the state of West Bengal.

But till today, indigenous breeds are predominant in the state.

E1.6.3 Plan wise Outlay and Expenditure under Dairy Development

The State Government policy has been providing necessary support for dairy development in

the state through cooperative sector. However, percentage share of expenditure on dairy

development to total expenditure has declined considerably. As compared to around 41.29 per

cent share of total expenditure on dairy development during 1974-1978, it has declined to

10.69 per cent during the period of 2002-03 to 2011-12.

E1.6.4 Growth in Milk Production and Productivity in West Bengal

Most of the animals in West Bengal are Zebu cattle i.e. non descriptive cow whose productivity

is very low. In order to improve the productivity of Bengal desi cow, Artificial Insemination (AI)

with frozen semen of quality breeds is being extensively carried out. The entire breedable cow

population in the state is being tried to be brought under the coverage of AI at the Gram

Panchayat (GP) level. Moreover co-operative unions are also responsible for performing AI

under their care. They also supply feed, fodder seeds etc. to the beneficiary farmers which in

turn help to improve the milk production of the state.

The milk production has increased from 35 lakh tonnes in 2000-2001 to 49.6 lakh tonnes in

2014-15 registering a growth of 41.71 per cent over base year. As a result, the per capita

availability of milk in the state increased from 116 gms/day in 2000-01 to 145 gms/day in 2014-

15.

xiii

Out of total bovine milk production in 2015-16, 62.32 per cent share accounts for Indigenous

cattle, 32.79 per cent share accounts for Crossbred cows and remaining 4.89 per cent was of

Buffalo breed.

E1.6.5 Milk Consumption and Marketable Surplus

On the basis of availability of data on milk utilisation pattern in West Bengal, it has been found

that out of total production of milk at home, about 65 per cent was sold, while 22 per cent milk

was consumed at the home and remaining 13 per cent milk was converted into milk products in

2014-15.

E1.6.6 Status of Availability of Feed and Fodder

As against the estimated animals’ requirements of dry matter, feed resources available in West

Bengal are lower. In the last almost one and half decade (1997 to 2011), shortage of dry matter

in the State reduced from 57.86 per cent of the requirement to 46.91 per cent.

Green fodder is a comparatively economical source of nutrients. However, the availability of

green fodder is also lower than estimated requirement in West Bengal. The estimation in 2007-

08 regarding area under fodder crops indicated that only 0.04 per cent area to the gross sown

area of 9752 thousand hectare was under fodder cultivation in West Bengal.

In West Bengal, there is absence of regulated and organized fodder market. Small scale

marketing of fodder exists in all rural areas where fodder is sold by producers to traders or

directly to the consumers.

E1.6.7 Infrastructure Development

For veterinary Services, 110 State Animal Health Centre (SAHC) & District Veterinary Hospital

(DVH), 341 Block Animal Health Centre (BAHC), 273 Additional Block Animal Health Centre

(ABAHC), 3248 Animal Development Aid Centre (ADAC) and 5744 Artificial Insemination Centre

(AIC) are working at present. Still these facilities are not available in the interior villages. The

state has no any facility for Mobile Animal Health Centre. In case of Cattle Breeding Farm, the

West Bengal state has 7 Breeding Farms in Haringhata, Kurseong, Salboni, Suri, Kharagpur,

xiv

Kalyani, and Beldanga. These Breeding Farms are operating since 1990-91. There are seventeen

Co-operative Milk Unions as well as Co-operative Dairy Unions in West Bengal.

E1.6.8 Dairy Development Institutions in West Bengal

A. Directorate of Dairy Development:

Directorate of Dairy Development, Government of West Bengal is engaged in the processing

of raw milk to produce pasteurised and homogenised market milk and various milk products,

and sells them through its own network of Milk booths, Suravis, Agents and Distributors in

safe and wholesome condition. With the implementation of Operation Flood Programme in

the mid-1970s, the extension, procurement and other farmer related activities on Dairy

Development have been handed over to the Co-operative sector, i.e.; West Bengal Co-

operative Milk Producers’ Federation Limited.

B. West Bengal Co-Operative Milk Producers’ Federation Ltd.

West Bengal Co-operative Milk Producers’ Federation Ltd. (Federation) was formed as an

apex body of milk cooperatives in West Bengal for developing the dairy industry.

The Federation has implemented the Women Dairy Co-operative Project (WDCP) funded by

the Ministry of HRD, Govt., of India and thereby empowering the Women economically and

socially.

Funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India the Federation is also

implementing Integrated Dairy Development Project (IDDP) in the hilly, Non-OF and

backward areas of West Bengal.

C. Mother Dairy Calcutta (MDC)

Apart from Directorate of Dairy Development and West Bengal Co-operative Milk Producers

Federation, Mother Dairy Calcutta is also providing necessary support towards dairy

development in the state through its own infrastructural and managerial capabilities. Today

Mother Dairy has become a household name in case dairy products to the urban consumers of

the state especially greater Kolkata and neighbouring towns.

xv

E1.6.9 Policies and Programmes / Schemes for Dairy Development

In West Bengal, the Animal Resources Development Department is responsible for the formulation

and implementation of Livestock and Poultry policies and programmes of the state. The

following participatory branches including a university under this department are looking after

the successful implementation of all the projects and schemes of the Department (NDDB, 2017):

1. Directorate of Animal Resources & Animal Health (DAR&AH)

2. Directorate of Dairy Development

3. Paschim Banga Go-Sampad Bikash Sanstha (PBGSBS)

4. West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences (WBUAFS)

5. West Bengal Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation Ltd. (WBCMPF)

6. West Bengal Dairy & Poultry Development Corporation Limited (DAIRPOUL)

7. West Bengal Livestock Development Board

8. Mother Dairy

9. West Bengal Veterinary Council

10. The Calcutta Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (CSPCA)

E1.7 Findings from Primary Survey

E1.7.1 About Selected Study Area, Sample Households and Milk Unions

In all districts barring South Twenty Four Parganas, the milk unions cover over five hundred

villages in respective districts. Activities of Sundarban MU have been rejuvenated in 2015 and

were found to grow in a steady pace during the time of survey.

The number of cooperative societies under the jurisdiction of the milk unions was highest in

Bankura (350) while it was lowest in South Twenty Four Parganas (44). However, the milk

procurement/collection figures reveal that Nadia topping the list with 143.3 lakh kilograms of

liquid milk from the cooperative societies per annum.

As far as milk processing plants are concerned, all the districts of the present study did not have

such plants. Of the four, Bankura, Nadia and North Twenty Four Parganas had milk processing

xvi

plants situated in the district. South Twenty Four Parganas did not have such facility. Even in

the former three districts the plants generally processed liquid milk of various standards.

On the whole the villages (both DCS and NDCS) in four districts were placed more or less at par

in respect of the basic socio-economic parameters with a little difference among them.

In terms of average family size the households of four districts (both DCS and NDCS villages)

reveal similar pattern. The average family size in aggregate was around 4.3-4.4 in DCS and NDCS

villages. Average age of respondents varied between 46.7 to 50 years while average age of the

family was around 37 years. It was also interesting to find that average age of female

respondents was significantly lower than that of male respondents in all four district

irrespective of DCS or not. In the households under present enquiry the education scenario was

found quite dismal.

Population composition in respect of religious groups revealed that in all villages, people from

Hindu religious belief dominate the social scenario of whom people from the Scheduled and

other backward communities are of sizeable proportion in the respective size-classes.

Scheduled Tribes were few in number.

Families in both DCS and NDCS villages were mostly farming families pursuing cultivation as

their principal occupation. Most of the households took up dairy enterprise as their subsidiary

source of income even in the DCS villages. In the DCS villages the size of average operated land

had been 0.28 hectares in contrast to 0.40 hectares of average operational land in the NDCS

villages. In a sense the farmers of the villages without dairy cooperatives are marginally better off than

their DCS counterparts.

The general crop rotation practice throughout the year could be described by Rice followed by

Potato and Mustard followed by Rice once again in Kharif, Rabi and Summer seasons

respectively.

E1.7.2 Cost of Milk Production and Awareness about Schemes

Breedable Animals

In DCS villages herd strength of local milch animals were higher than that in the NDCS villages

xvii

across all size-classes. But when it came to rearing of cross bred animals, NDCS farmers owned

more cross bred cow than the former ones. So far as the cattle sheds are concerned NDCS

farmers were found to own more sheds on an average for their cattle than DCS farmers.

Average age of the breedable local cows in the DCS villages was 6 years in aggregate of all size-

classes while for cross bred cow average age had been 5 years. Average age at first calving for

local cows was higher than the cross bred cows in both the areas. Lactation order was found

more or less same for all types of farmers with marginal variation among the village clusters

and size-classes.

A dismal scenario was observed as regards to insurance coverage for the cattle.

Labour Use Pattern

In both DCS and NDCS villages no hired labour had been employed for dairy operations. It is

noteworthy to mention that in DCS villages across all size-class participation of women family

members had been higher both in terms of number per day as well as hours of involvement in

such activities. Moreover they had been members of DCS too.

Details on Feed/Fodder and Water

NDCS households across all size-classes were feeding their cattle with more of dry and green

fodder and supplements as compared to the DCS farmers. In case for concentrates DCS and

NDCS farmers were applying prepared cattle feed in more or less equal quantity. In case of

cross bred cow, however, feeding was higher among the DCS households than their NDCS

counterparts. Average grazing hours for local cattle was 3.4-3.8 hours while it was 2.5 for cross

bred cattle.

In the villages of the present study (both DCS & NDCS) normal water of adequate quantity was

reported by the respondents. The main source of water for dairy had been tube wells

supplemented by farm ponds and open wells.

Details on Veterinary and Breeding Services and Expenditures

Most of the animals in DCS and NDCS villages across size-classes received vaccines like HS, BQ

and FMD. Vaccination among the small size-class had been a little lower as compared with the

xviii

other two size-classes. Use of vaccines for cross bred cows was marginally higher than the local

cows. Artificial insemination (AI) had been the main method of conception for the cattle.

Awareness about the Schemes

Knowledge and awareness regarding vaccination and AI schemes had been to the fullest extent.

But when the question boiled down to awareness about other schemes there was sharp

contrast between the farmers of DCS and NDCS villages. For the DCS farmers knowledge had

been imparted by the milk cooperatives and milk unions functioning in the area. For the NDCS

farmers, however, source of their awareness had been fellow farmers and neighbours.

Most of the benefitted DCS farmers seemed to be satisfied with the assistance they received

through the several schemes and reported quality of the material had been up to their

expectation.

Cost of Milk Production

For calculating cost and returns we had imputed the value of family labour with ruling wages

rates for male and female. It is observed that labour cost has been the main component of total

cost in all cases. The proportion of labour component, however, was found decreasing with

increase in the size-class of both DCS and NDCS villages. The prices offered by the private

agents were lower than the prices paid by the local dairy cooperatives.

Coming to the question of net returns per day per animal, we are faced with a situation where

farmers were incurring heavy losses. Barring only two categories of middle and large farmers

rearing cross bred cows in both types of villages all other farmers were suffering sizeable

amount of net losses per day. But if the imputed value of labour gets deducted from total cost

the households across each and every size-class and for all types of cows earned substantial

positive profit per day per animal. It might have been due to over-optimal usage of family

labour in dairy activities.

xix

E1.7.3 Milk Consumption and Marketable Surplus

Use of Milk at Home and Processing

In the DCS households data for milk drawn per animal per day revealed that the quantity of

milk drawn per local cow was 2.64 litres for the DCS village while it had been 5.65 litres for

cross bred cow. For NDCS households, however, quantities were to the tune of 2.93 litres and

5.45 litres respectively.

General practice among the farmers of all categories was to sell out bulk of the liquid milk. It

was interesting to note that in both cases milk of cross bred cow was sold directly in greater

proportion than the milk of local cow. This in a way points towards household’s preference for

milk of the local cow for their own consumption.

Sale of Milk and Cost of Milk Marketing

In all size-class categories the percentage of sale by the DCS farmers to milk cooperatives

accounted for over 85 per cent. For NDCS farmers, however, proportion of total sales, being

around 85 per cent, had been given to the private vendors and middlemen.

The price offered by cooperatives had always been higher than the price offered by the private

ones. Payments by DCS were generally transferred to suppliers’ bank accounts on weekly basis

whereas payments from local vendors were received after a month including delayed

payments.

Handling of Income from Dairying

Involvement of women members in receiving income from sale of milk was found in both DCS

and NDCS families. As far as income from sale of cow dung, cow dung cakes and farm yard

manure, women had almost unquestionable authority of receiving the income in both types of

villages. Share of expenses for family maintenance had been higher in comparison with the

share of expenses for dairy activities from sales proceeds of milk. However, income from dung

sale was switched towards upkeep of the cattle herd in greater proportion with some inter size-

class variations.

xx

Problems in Milk Marketing

The milk cooperatives, though operating in every district, were too small in number to rope in

the large number of small milk producers in respective areas under their coverage. Moreover,

their procurement capacity had been rather small as compared to the supply of liquid milk. And

these cooperatives were faced with competition from the enumerable private intermediaries

who collected the milk from producer’s door steps. Moreover, there existed problems of milk

adulteration and malpractice by the small private players as complained by some of the DCS

members.

E1.7.4 Constraints

Constrains faced by Milk Producers

Delivery of cattle feed from the DCS and private agents were found inadequate. Most of the

households could purchase cattle feed on credit from private agents only. There was no

provision of credit from the dairy cooperatives. Cattle feed and mineral mixtures, when

purchased from open market or private agents had been much costlier than that been supplied

by the cooperatives.

Emergency veterinary service in general was made available by the private agents in all the

villages though charges for such had been high. Vaccines too, been supplied by the private

agents, were inadequate in supply and poor in quality. Semen had also been insufficient in

supply.

All the milk producers found the milk procurement price to be low whether being disposed with

cooperatives or private vendors. However, the regularity of payment differed between the

societies and vendors. There had been no incentive bonus and advance payment to the

producers either by cooperative societies or the private agents for supplying milk.

As of infrastructure, it was found that the households mainly suffered from lack of improved

equipment and training facilities, irregularity of supply of cattle feed, vaccines, semen at AI

centre and infrequent visit of veterinary staff. Both DCS and NDCS households were

xxi

complaining against poor conception rate through AI, poor knowledge about proper feeding

and health care and cheap and scientific housing for animals.

High cost of feed and mineral mixture, veterinary medicines emergency veterinary services

added with low price of milk are major economic hurdles. Main constraints for DCS and NDCS

farmers turned out to be lack of purchasing power resulting out of lower socio-economic

conditions.

Constraints faced by PDCS

All the DCS were of the opinion that the average milk yield in the respective areas was

sometimes low. Unavailability of emergency veterinary services and infrequent visit by

veterinary staff had been a serious obstacle in Nadia, North and South Twenty Four Parganas.

Large number of small producers in Nadia and South Twenty Four Parganas posed serious

problem of monitoring and follow-up activities by the DCSs.

Market related constraints included DCS’s inability to market value added milk products in all

districts. In fact there was no provision at the DCS level to process milk and produce value

added products.

Constraints faced by Milk Unions

There was deficiency in skilled manpower of which all the milk unions were suffering.

Technical constraints included unavailability of required inputs, technical knowhow and

instruments to detect adulterants in milk, state of the art technology for quick fat detection.

As far as the governance issues were concerned, it was observed that some of the milk unions

were looking for autonomy and staff recruitment for smooth functioning and monitoring of the

MU and the DCSs. Formation of new Board of Directors and reduction in political intervention

was also necessary.

Gradual increase in overhead expenditure coupled with decreasing quantum of milk

procurement had resulted in a severe financial crisis in the districts of Nadia and North Twenty

Four Parganas.

xxii

E1.8 Conclusions

• The State and Central Government policy has been providing some support for dairy

development in the state of West Bengal through co-operative sector. However, as

against the estimated animals’ requirements, feed resources available in West Bengal

are lower. In West Bengal, however, there exists high incidence of non-descript cows in

comparison with the crossbred varieties.

• In terms of socio-economic parameters villages of four districts (both DCS and NDCS

villages) reveal more or less similar pattern. Families were mostly farming families

pursuing cultivation as their principal occupation. Most of the households took up dairy

enterprise as their subsidiary source of income. In the villages dairy enterprise was

being run solely by family labour. It is noteworthy to mention participation of women

family members remained crucial for such operation.

• Poor state of awareness about various dairy developments schemes were observed

among the NDCS households. A dismal scenario was observed as regards to insurance

coverage for the cattle in all the villages regardless of DCS or NDCS.

• It is observed that labour cost has been the main component of total cost in all cases.

There might be over optimal use of family labour.

• The milk cooperatives, though operating in every district, were too small in number to

wrap the large number of small milk producers in respective areas. Moreover, their

procurement capacity had been rather small as compared to the supply of liquid milk.

• Service delivery of cattle feed and fodder was found inadequate. Cattle feed and

mineral mixtures, when purchased from open market or private agents had been much

costlier.

• Procurement price of milk had been non-remunerative for the farmers whether

purchased by cooperatives or private vendors.

• As of infrastructure, the households suffered from lack of improved equipment, training

facilities, irregularity of supply of cattle feed, vaccines, semen at AI centre and

infrequent visit of veterinary staff. Charges for emergency veterinary service provided

by private agents had been high.

xxiii

• All the DCS were of the opinion that the average milk yield in the respective areas was

sometimes low. Unavailability of emergency veterinary services and infrequent visit by

veterinary staff had been a serious obstacle. Large number of small producers also

posed serious problem of monitoring and follow-up activities by the DCSs.

• There was severe deficiency in skilled manpower of which all the milk unions were

suffering. Technical constraints included unavailability of required inputs, technical

knowhow and instruments to detect adulterants in milk, state of the art technology for

quick fat detection. As far as the governance issues were concerned, it was observed

that some of the milk unions were looking for autonomy and staff recruitment for

smooth functioning and monitoring of the MU and the DCSs. Gradual decrease in

quantum of milk procurement has posed serious threat.

E1.9 Recommendations

• Innumerable small dairy farms are to be fastened in some sort of milk chain by the

cooperative societies. So, there is urgent need to enhance the number of PDCS in each

district to reduce the exploitation by private vendors.

• The infrastructure for milk procurement and transportation should be improved at the

DCS level.

• Enhanced operation of DCS offering remunerative price to farmers can motivate them in

joining the society and at the same time this partnership would be able to make a dent

in farmers’ economic hardship.

• Service delivery of feed and fodder to be enhanced. Provision for vaccinations and

emergency veterinary services including AI needed to be boosted. In this aspect DCSs

working at the village level could play an important role.

• Re-orientation and proper implementation of government policies for dairy

development at the grassroots must be taken care of. And in view of such re-orientation

more autonomy and funds are to be provided to DCS.

• For increasing awareness regarding scientific dairy farming new training programmes

need to be arranged especially for the women. These might be able serve twin purposes

xxiv

of imparting improved consciousness among women regarding dairy farming and might

as well be supportive for women empowerment in the village society.

• It remained essential that the farmers be motivated to insure their cattle for it

minimized the risk. Procedural changes, if necessary, can be thought of so that the

farmers can avail these benefits. Outreach of the facility needs to be provided at the

village level. For DCS membership insuring cattle might be made a mandatory criterion.

• The DCSs were of opinion that there had been fluctuations in milk yield across seasons.

Proper and scientific dairy practices backed by better awareness supported by

government veterinary and DCS staff might be able to bring about a change in such

paucity.

• The milk unions might be provided with skilled manpower for proper implementation

and monitoring of the operations of DCS. More autonomy in MUs’ functioning might be

necessary and political intervention must be restricted.

• Establishing milk processing plants in the districts are of urgent importance for

production of value added milk products that would ensure higher return.

• Offering remunerative price for milk is a decision that depends on the policy of the

government. In face of rising cost a hike in procurement price may be thought of which

in turn would motivate and improve economic conditions of the farmers.

• As such there are ample central and state sector schemes for development of animal

husbandry in general and dairy expansion in particular. Convergences of many of such

schemes were found in the survey area of this present study. But the scope and

coverage seemed somewhat restrictive. Policy re-orientation might be sought for

rejuvenating the dairy sector in the villages of West Bengal.

1

Chapter I

Introduction

1.1 Prelude

In India, two almost contemporary central sector programmes was launched by

Government of India in last century for development of agriculture and its allied sector,

specifically dairy industry. These two programmes were “Green Revolution” for agriculture

development and “Operation Flood” for dairy development. As an impact, Dairy

development in India has been acclaimed as one of the most successful development

programmes under the world’s largest integrated dairy development programme

‘Operation Flood’ (Shiyani, 1996; NAAS, 2003). India ranks first in the world in milk

production, which has increased from 17 million tonnes in 1950-51 to 146 million tonnes in

2014-15. Out of this total production, nearly 51%, 45% and 4% milk come from buffalo, cow

and goat respectively. Thus, the per capita availability of the milk in India has increased from

130 grams/day in 1950-51 to 302 grams/day in 2013-14 (http://data.gov.in) as against the

world average of 294 grams per day during 2013. Besides, dairying has become an

important secondary source of income for a large number of rural families. In fact, dairying

is playing a vital role in rural economy by providing employment and income generating

opportunities particularly for small, marginal and women farmers and landless labourers. It

has been observed that maximum quantity of milk in India is produced by animals reared by

small, marginal and women farmers and landless labourers. Thus, livestock rearing has

become one of the most important economic activities in rural India. Moreover, livestock

rearing is an important source of protein supplement to the family members of the

household in the form of milk, eggs and meat. Not only that, in many cases, livestock also a

central component of small holder risked management strategies (Randolph et al., 2007). In

fact, level of rural poverty is significantly higher in states where livestock sector is

underdeveloped (Singh and Meena, 2012). Actually, it is one of the important sub-sectors of

agriculture, next only to field crops (Saxena et al., 2002). So, about 15.4 million farmers have

been brought under the ambit of 1, 60,000 village level dairy corporative societies up to

March 2014 (http://dahd.nic.in) in India.

2

Considering the importance of dairy sector in India, a number of schemes and programmes

of both central and state government are being implemented for dairy development since

long back. The department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying of government is the

implementing authority of these schemes and programmes. The required financial support

for implementing these schemes and programmes are provided through state budgets and

central grants. Besides, a number of government welfare schemes are also implemented for

dairy development which is funded through budgetary previsions of various departments.

Some of such departments are Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Agriculture and

Cooperation, Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Finance Corporation, Tribal Welfare,

Women and Child Welfare, etc.

The state milk federations and the milk unions of each state are also playing significant role

for development of dairy sector through evolving a variety of schemes that provide

incentives to the milk producers. Besides, district level milk unions of every state have also

drawn up some schemes to promote dairy development. Required fund for these schemes

come through various ingenious ways, e.g. partly through profits generated in milk business,

partly through token cess or through charity/welfare.

Animal husbandry in India is closely interwoven with agriculture and obviously plays an

important role in the national economy and also in the socio-economic development of

millions rural households (Vaidyanathan, 1989; Mishra, 1995; Chawla, et al, 2004; Sharma,

2004; Birthal, 2016). Livestock rearing is one of the most important economic activities in

the rural areas of the country providing supplementary income for most of the families

dependent on agriculture. This picture of the country has also been reflected in the state of

West Bengal. As per area and population, the ranks of West Bengal state in India are 13th

and 4th

(Census of India, 2011) respectively. The economy of West Bengal primarily depends

on agriculture. More than 70% of the state-population depends either directly or indirectly

on agriculture for their earnings. But the fact is, above 90% farmers of the state belongs to

small and marginal categories. Due to lack of required area of land, this big proportion of

population has to choose some another occupation for sustenance. In this circumstance,

cattle rearing have become the first choice as secondary/another occupation to small and

marginal farmers and landless labourers of West Bengal due to favourable agro-climatic

condition for animal husbandry in the state.

3

During 2015-16, the annual bovine milk production of West Bengal was 4.9 million tonnes.

Among twenty one revenue districts of the state, North 24 Parganas, Nadia, Burdwan and

Hooghly are the major milk producing districts. Anand pattern cooperatives are the major

organized player in the dairy industry of West Bengal. However, after the liberalization, the

dairy sectoris facing stiff competition from various private players. In West Bengal, the dairy

cooperatives have been able to procure only around 5.4 per cent of the marketable surplus

milk of the state, whereas at national level, dairy cooperatives procure around 16 per cent

of the marketable surplus. Most of the procurement of surplus milk is done mainly by the

unorganized sector and that too for making various traditional products, predominantly

chhana. This indicates that organized dairying is yet to achieve its full potential in West

Bengal.

WB State Profile:

Geographic profile of West Bengal

The State of West Bengal is one of the Eastern States of India extending between 21°31′ and

27°14′ North latitudes and 86°35′ and 89°53′ East longitudes. The land frontier of the State

touches Bangladesh in the east, and is separated from Nepal in the west. Bhutan lies in the

north-east, while Sikkim is on the north. On the west there are the states of Bihar,

Jharkhand, while in the south lies Orissa, and the Bay of Bengal washing its southern

frontiers. The tropic of cancer passes through the state. The state extends from the snow

clad Himalayas in the north to the Bay of Bengal in the South. The Ganges and its numerous

tributaries have created fertile regions in the State. West Bengal is rich in natural resources

and it has an advantage of six agro-climatic regions, fertile soil of vast bio-diversity and

consistent irrigation facilities. West Bengal has been divided into 6 agro-climatic zones on

the basis of landform hydrology – soil combinations as well as climate variations. These are

– (1) Northern Hill Zone (NHZ), (2) Terai – Tista Alluvial Zone (TTAZ), (3) Gangetic / New

Alluvial Zone (GAZ), (4) Vindhya / Old Alluvial Zone (VAZ), (5) Coastal Saline Zone (CSZ), and

(6) Undulating Red and Laterite Zone (URLZ).

Demographic profile of West Bengal

As per Census 2011, West Bengal has a population of 9, 12, 76,115 consisting 4.68 crore

males and 4.44 crore females. West Bengal has a population density of 1028 inhabitants per

square km. making it the most densely populated state in India. The population of the state

4

has increased from 4.43 crore in 1971 to 9.12 crore in 2011. The state has a gender ratio of

950 females per 1000 males. The census report (2011) has also exhibited literacy rate of the

state by 76.26 per cent.

Agricultural profile of West Bengal

Agriculture plays such a pivotal role in the state's economy that nearly three out of every

four persons is directly or indirectly involved in agriculture. As such agriculture is the

primary occupation of the state and the main source of income for the people of West

Bengal. Above 70 percent of the total population depends on farming for their livelihood.

Though the state has only 3 percent of cultivable land of India, it accounts for 8 percent of

the total food grains produced in the nation. The net area under cultivation in West Bengal

is about 57, 27,007 ha (65.95 %) with cropping intensity of 184 percent. There are 20.54 %

and 13.51 % of the reported area remain under non-cultivable and forest area, respectively.

The cropping pattern of the state is dominated by food crops, which account for about 87

percent of the area under principal food crops in the state. The major crops grown in the

state include rice, wheat, pulses, jute, oilseeds, vegetables, etc. The state is the highest

producer of rice in the nation. There is remarkable progress in the production of jute and

oilseeds also. About 60 percent of the raw jute is produced in the state. In case of main

working force, West Bengal has faced 2, 30, 23,583 persons of total worker, out of which

19.79 percent and 19.64 percent are accounted for cultivators and agricultural labours,

respectively.

Animal Husbandry & Dairy Profile of West Bengal

As per Livestock Census-2012, the West Bengal state has 16, 514 thousand cattle

population. Out of this total cattle population, the state has 83.7% indigenous species and

16.3% crossbred species. As a result, per capita milk availability per day is 145 gms in the

state. However, as agri-allied sector, dairying is now playing an important role for upliftment

of the rural economy in West Bengal.

1.2 Role of Dairy Sector in State Economy of West Bengal

Dairying is an important and integral part of the rural economy of West Bengal. It has been

playing a significant role in boosting the agrarian economy of the state. It is one of the main

subsidiary sources of livelihood in rural area of the state. Thus, this sector plays a vital role

5

in the livelihood of the rural people as well as rural economy of the state. It has significant

impact on employment as well as income generation for marginal and sub-marginal farmers

and landless labourers in West Bengal. However, organized dairying is yet to achieve its full

potential in the state.

Cattle and especially bullocks are the primary source of draught power required for the

agricultural operations as well as rural transportation. Milch animals are the main origin of

the milk requirements of the human beings. Thus, cattle and milch animals provide essential

foods like milk and meat. Large quantities of animal by-products are also generated by these

animals. Bullocks and milch animal are the main support of agricultural operations and also

a major source of supplementary income to the marginal and small farmer and landless

agricultural labourers. On the other hand, the by-products of agricultural produce happen to

be the chief ingredients of food for cattle and milch animals. Farmers are in a position to

follow animal husbandry and dairying as an adjunct to cultivation. The requisite labour for

keeping dairy animals is also available from within the farmer’s family. A very large portion

of female labour force of cultivator households which otherwise have suffered from

disguised unemployment, gets self-employment in several occupations allied to cattle and

buffalo rearing.

Milch animal-holders feed and nourish dairy animals with crop residuals and agriculture by-

products available with them. But the dairy cooperatives have been able to procure only

around 5.4 per cent of the marketable surplus milk of the state against around 16 per cent

procurement of the marketable surplus milk by dairy cooperatives in India. This indicates

the utilization of a large amount of marketable surplus milk by the unorganized sector for

conversion into traditional products, predominantly chhana. The chhana industry of West

Bengal is as old as Bengali food culture. Nineteenth century renaissance of Bengal played a

major role in the growth of chhana based sweet industry. Enterprising skills combined with

business acumen provided impetus for a century old industry. However, till date the

industry is purely in the hands of unorganized sector. In the present globalized economy

which is hindering the growth of the sector.

The capital city of Kolkata is the major market of chhana. The chhana consumed by the

sweetshops of the city is either manufactured in-house or obtained from the local chhana

markets or supplied by vendors from adjoining districts. Two adjoining districts namely,

6

Hooghly and North 24 Parganas are the major suppliers of chhana. The sweet industry of

the state is directly providing employment to about 7 lakh people and the downstream

chhana industry providing about 4 lakh employments. There are about 15,000 sweetshops

and five wholesale chhana markets in Kolkata.

1.3 Trend in Contribution of Dairy in GSDP

Animal husbandry plays an important role in rural economy of West Bengal state. The

contribution of Livestock was 4.30 per cent to the state GSDP in 2013-14. On the other

hand, the contribution of agriculture to total GSDP was 12.35 per cent. The contribution of

agriculture and livestock to total GSDP was estimated to be 16.64 per cent, while

contribution of livestock to agriculture and livestock together was nearly 26 per cent. Thus,

more than one fourth of the agriculture sector output comes from livestock sector (Table

1.1 & Fig. 1.1). The share of GVO from livestock to agriculture sector has remained between

20.57 - 25.81 per cent with some little fluctuation during the last one and half decade.

Livestock contributes more than 20 per cent to the agricultural GDP of West Bengal and is

one of the biggest sectors for supporting livelihood in the state. Livestock output at constant

16.50

17.00

17.50

18.00

18.50

19.00

19.50

20.00

20.50

21.00

21.50

0

500000

1000000

1500000

2000000

2500000

3000000

3500000

GVO from LS (Rs. In lakh)

Share(%) of GVO from LS to Agri.

GV

O f

rom

LS

(R

s. i

n L

ak

h)

Sh

are

(%

) o

f G

VO

fro

m L

S t

o A

gri

.

Fig 1.1: Contribution of GVO from LS sector to Agri.

(At current price) in West Bengal:2004-05 to 2013-14

7

prices was reported at Rs. 288.75 billion in 2011-12 (at constant prices), of which milk

contributes about 47.15 per cent or Rs. 136.16 billion (Table 1.2).

Table 1.1: Contribution of Gross Value of Output and Gross Value Added from Agriculture

and Livestock Sector to Total GSDP at Current Prices of West Bengal State

Sr.

No.

Year Total GSDP

(Rs In

Crores)

Contribution

of GVO from

Agriculture to

Total GSDP

(%)

Contribution

of GVO from

Livestock to

Total GSDP

(%)

of GVO from

Agriculture &

Livestock to

Total GSDP

(%)

Contribution

of GVA from

Agriculture

& Livestock

to Total GSDP

(%)

Contribution of

GVO from

Livestock to

Agriculture &

Livestock

sector %)

1 1999-00 135376 25.30 6.55 31.86 GVA

Data

Not

Available

In

West

Bengal

20.57

2 2000-01 143724 22.55 6.42 28.96 22.16

3 2001-02 157144 23.03 6.19 29.22 21.17

4 2002-03 168000 20.83 6.14 26.98 22.77

5 2003-04 189258 20.55 5.80 26.35 21.99

6 2004-05 208656 18.57 5.75 24.31 23.64

7 2005-06 230245 18.65 5.28 23.93 22.05

8 2006-07 261682 17.69 5.12 22.81 22.45

9 2007-08 299483 17.87 5.32 23.18 22.93

10 2008-09 341942 16.43 5.12 21.55 23.75

11 2009-10 398880 17.25 5.44 22.69 23.98

12 2010-11 460959 16.45 5.12 21.56 23.74

13 2011-12 528316 16.00 5.47 21.47 25.46

14 2012-13 603311 14.51 4.99 19.50 25.60

15 2013-14 706561 12.35 4.30 16.64 25.81

1.4 Composition of Livestock & details on Cow and Buffalo Breeds in West

Bengal State

The West Bengal state possesses a remarkable position in the country so far as livestock

wealth and development are concerned. The Nineteenth Livestock Census (2012) of India

has placed total livestock population at 512.06 million, out of which, 30.35 million livestock

(5.93 %) population was in the state of West Bengal. There is a decrease in livestock

population over 2007 to 2012 from 36.60 million to 30.35 million registering a negative

growth of 17.09 per cent in the total number of animals of various species (Table 1.3).

The state accounts for 8.65 per cent share in cattle population, 0.55 per cent of buffalo

population, 1.65 per cent sheep population and 8.51 per cent goat population of the

country. The negligible share of mules & donkeys (0.1 %) and yaks (1.30 %) in national stock

has also been recorded in 2012. As per Livestock Census 2012, among the species, Cattle

contributes highest share (54.42 per cent) in total livestock population followed by Goat

(37.91%), Sheep (3.54 %), Pigs (2.13%) and Buffaloes (1.97 %), besides marginal contribution

8

Table 1.2: Value of Output: Agriculture and Livestock

Item

Value of Output: Agriculture and Livestock in West Bengal

2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

Value of Output at Current Prices (Rs. billion)

Agriculture & Allied* 621.81 668.82 731.20 846.16 911.45 1113.24 1218.31 1392.82

Agriculture 387.41 429.50 462.83 535.12 561.96 688.05 758.05 845.43

Livestock 119.91 121.52 133.96 159.18 175.02 217.01 236.00 288.75

Share of Value of Output to Agriculture and Allied* (%)

Agriculture 62.30 64.22 63.30 63.24 61.66 61.81 62.22 60.70

Livestock 19.28 18.17 18.32 18.81 19.20 19.49 19.37 20.73

2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12*

Value of Output at Constant Prices (Rs. billion) (2004-05 & 2011-12)

Agriculture & Allied* 621.81 627.89 646.38 690.16 669.25 722.15 713.68 1392.82

Agriculture 387.41 384.89 390.58 415.23 410.04 441.46 431.23 845.43

Livestock 119.91 122.42 125.57 136.70 132.65 137.65 143.15 288.75

Share of Value of Output to Agriculture and Allied* (%)

Agriculture 62.30 61.30 60.43 60.16 61.27 61.13 60.42 60.70

Livestock 19.28 19.50 19.43 19.81 19.82 19.06 20.06 20.73

2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

Value of Livestock Output at Current Prices (Rs. billion)

Milk 56.98 58.50 62.70 71.36 82.24 100.37 105.03 136.16

Meat 44.75 47.42 50.34 65.05 66.91 80.70 88.19 111.15

Egg 4.51 4.73 4.98 5.49 6.51 10.09 11.96 14.03

Dung 10.03 10.77 11.37 12.08 12.52 16.87 19.96 21.14

Others^ 3.61 4.08 4.56 5.18 6.82 8.96 10.84 6.26

Share of Livestock Output at Current Prices (%)

Milk 47.52 48.14 46.81 44.83 46.99 46.25 44.50 47.15

Meat 37.32 39.02 37.58 40.87 38.23 37.19 37.37 38.49

Egg 3.76 3.89 3.72 3.45 3.72 4.65 5.07 4.86

Dung 8.36 8.86 8.49 7.59 7.15 7.77 8.46 7.32

Others^ 3.01 3.36 3.40 3.25 3.90 4.13 4.59 2.17

2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12*

Value of Livestock Output at Constant Prices (Rs. billion) (2004-05 & 2011-12)

Milk 56.98 58.08 59.42 60.90 62.24 64.08 66.62 136.16

Meat 44.75 45.63 46.78 55.76 50.03 51.94 53.70 111.15

Egg 4.51 4.63 4.75 4.78 4.79 5.36 5.79 14.03

Dung 10.03 10.17 10.32 10.48 10.64 10.81 10.99 21.14

Others^ 3.61 3.88 4.27 4.76 4.94 5.45 6.03 6.26

Share of Livestock Output at Constant Prices (%)

Milk 47.52 47.44 47.32 44.55 46.92 46.55 46.54 47.15

Meat 37.32 37.27 37.25 40.79 37.72 37.73 37.51 38.49

Egg 3.76 3.78 3.78 3.50 3.61 3.89 4.04 4.86

Dung 8.36 8.31 8.22 7.67 8.02 7.85 7.68 7.32

Others^ 3.01 3.17 3.40 3.48 3.72 3.96 4.21 2.17

*at 2011-12 price

Notes: P:Provisional Estimates, Q:Quick Estimates ,*Includes Livestock, Forestry & Fisheries, ^Includes Wool and Hair,

Silk worm Cocoons & Honey ,Increment in Stock

Source: State wise estimate of Value of Output (Ag & Allied) with base year 2004-05 & 2011-12, MoSPI, GoI.

9

Table 1.3: Growth of the Livestock in West Bengal and India

Sr.

No

Livestock

Census Year

Total Livestock (000) % Share of WB

to All India

% Growth of WB State

between two Census All India West Bengal

1 1951 292784 - - -

2 1956 306615 - - -

3 1961 336432 17535 5.21 -

4 1966 344111 19410 5.64 10.69

5 1972 353338 18721 5.30 - 3.55

6 1977 369525 24134 6.53 28.91

7 1983 419588 28948 6.90 19.95

8 1987 445285 30842 6.93 6.54

9 1993 470830 33786 7.17 9.54

10 1997 485385 35958 7.41 6.43

11 2003 485002 32039 6.60 - 10.90

12 2007 529698 36604 6.91 14.25

13 2012 512057 30348 5.93 - 17.09

Note: Figures without Dog & Rabbit.

Source: Directorate of Animal Resource & Animal Health, GoWB

is attributed by other livestock species such as Horses and Ponies, Mules, Donkeys, Yaks,

etc. (Table 1.4).

Table 1.4: Species-wise Livestock population & its Share in total livestock (Number in thousand)

Sr.

No. Particulars

West Bengal -2012 India 2012

Livestock-

2012

% share

in India

% share in

total

Livestock

Rank in

All India

Livestock-

2012

% share in

Total

Livestock

1 Cattle 16514 8.65 54.42 3 190904 37.28

2 Buffaloes 597 0.55 1.97 11 108702 21.23

3 Sheep 1076 1.65 3.54 10 65069 12.71

4 Goats 11506 8.51 37.91 4 135173 26.40

5 Pigs 648 6.29 2.13 5 10294 2.01

6 Horses & Ponies 4 0.64 0.01 14 625 0.12

7 Mules Negligible 0.1

13 196 0.04

8 Donkeys

12 319 0.06

9 Camel - -

- 400 0.08

10 Yaks 1 1.30 0.003 5 77 0.02

11 Mithun - -

- 298 0.06

Others 2 Negligible 0.006

12 Total Livestock 30348 5.93 99.99 7 512057 100.00

Note: Figures without Dog & Rabbit.

Source: Directorate of Animal Resource & Animal Health, GoWB, 19th

Livestock Census, 2012

However, over the period, share of cattle population in total livestock population has

declined from 65.45 per cent in 1961 to 54.42 per cent in 2012. The share of buffalo

population has also decreased considerably (5.62% to 1.97%) during the corresponding

period. In absolute term, the rate of cattle population increases by 43.90%, while the rate of

buffaloes population decreases by 39.45 %. In case of small ruminants, sheep population

10

Table 1.5: Growth in Livestock Population in West Bengal- 1951 to 2012

(No. in thousand)

Sr.

No. Year

Cattle Buffalo Sheep Goat Total Livestock

Nos. GR (%) Nos. GR (%) Nos. GR (%) Nos. GR (%) Nos. GR (%)

1 1951 - - - - - - - - - -

2 1956 - - - - - - - - - -

3 1961 11476 - 986 - 535 - 4513 - 17535 -

4 1966 12845 11.93 1048 6.29 638 19.25 4852 7.51 19410 10.69

5 1972 11878 - 7.45 824 - 21.37 793 24.29 5211 7.40 18721 - 3.55

6 1977 14435 21.53 1268 53.88 1079 36.06 7335 40.76 24134 28.91

7 1982 15658 8.47 987 - 22.16 1365 26.51 10916 48.82 28948 19.95

8 1988 16510 5.44 965 - 2.23 1460 6.96 11890 8.92 30842 6.54

9 1992 17206 4.21 980 1.55 1415 - 3.08 14167 19.15 33786 9.54

10 1997 17832 3.64 998 1.84 1462 3.32 15648 10.45 35958 6.43

11 2003 17984 0.85 876 - 12.22 1411 - 3.49 11757 - 24.86 32039 - 10.90

12 2007 19188 6.69 764 - 12.78 1577 11.76 15069 28.17 36604 14.25

13 2012 16514 - 13.93 597 - 21.86 1076 - 31.77 11506 - 23.64 30348 - 17.09

Note: GR- Growth rate over previous census year.

Source: Directorate of Animal Resource & Animal Health, GoWB

0.00

10.00

20.00

30.00

40.00

50.00

60.00

70.00

19

61

19

66

19

72

19

77

19

82

19

88

19

92

19

97

20

03

20

07

20

12

Cattle Buffalo

Sheep Goat

Others

Fig 1.2: Species-wise Share in Total livestock Population in West Bengal (1961-2012

P

op

ula

tio

n i

n %

to

to

tal

LS p

op

ula

tio

n

11

has increased by 101 per cent and goat population increased by 154.95 per cent in 2012

over 1961 (Fig. 1.2). Total livestock population in West Bengal has increased by 73.07 per

cent during last five decades period (Table 1.5).

The district-wise share in total state livestock population figures (Fig. 1.3 & Table 1.6)

indicate that Medinipur (East + West) district has the highest number of livestock

population (16.98 %) followed by Burdwan (East + West) district (9.07%), Bankura district

(7.65%), Murshidabad district (7.13%), Birbhum district (6.43%), Maldah district (5.89%),

Jalpaiguri + Alipur district (5.40%), Hooghly district (5.13%) and South 24 Parganas district

(5.00%).

These eleven districts together accounted for 68.68 percent of total livestock population in

the state in 2012 (Fig. 1.3). Medinipur East and West district jointly has the highest

percentage share of cows (64.62%) followed by Cooch Behar (63.73%) and Hooghly district

(61.44%). Though, highest percentage share of indigenous cattle and crossbred cattle was

found separately in Howrah (67.81%) and Darjeeling district (23.21%) respectively. On the

other hand, the existences of maximum percentage share of buffalo was observed in

Kolkata district (9.57%) followed by Purulia (4.02%) and Burdwan East and West district

jointly (3.57%) (Table 1.6).

As per measurement of livestock population density per square kilometre in 2012, the

overall highest livestock and bovine animal density was recorded in Hooghly district

followed by Howrah district (Table 1.7).

7.65 9.07

6.43

3.26 4.49

1.53 1.95

5.13 5.40 4.53

0.05

5.89 7.13

4.86 5.00 4.48

16.98

6.16

0.00

2.00

4.00

6.00

8.00

10.00

12.00

14.00

16.00

18.00

% s

hare

Fig. 1.3: Districtwise share in total Livestock Population in West Bengal 2012 (%)

12

Table 1.6: District wise Percentage share of Animals in Total Livestock Population in WB

District

District wise Percentage share of animals in Total livestock population in WB State-2012

Cro

ssb

red

Ind

ige

no

us

To

tal

Co

w

Bu

ffa

lo

To

tal

Sh

ee

p

Go

at

Oth

ers

To

tal

Pig

s

Ho

rse

s &

Po

nie

s

Mu

les

Do

nk

ey

Ca

me

l

Bankura 6.34 52.46 58.80 2.87 3.44 32.59 2.30 0.17 - - - -

Burdwan (E&W) 9.89 42.18 52.07 3.57 4.43 37.19 2.75 0.25 - - - -

Birbhum 4.29 44.63 48.92 2.98 8.40 38.12 1.59 0.10 - - - -

South Dinajpur 2.03 48.72 50.75 0.71 0.77 44.45 3.32 0.10 - - - -

North Dinajpur 4.37 50.33 54.70 1.24 0.19 42.07 1.80 0.08 - - - -

Darjeeling 23.21 25.47 48.68 0.63 0.49 39.40 10.80 0.16 - - - -

Howrah 6.63 67.81 74.44 0.71 0.05 24.68 0.13 0.002 - - - -

Hooghly 14.25 47.19 61.44 1.54 0.04 35.59 1.39 0.07 - - - -

Jalpaiguri

+Alipurduar 6.32 51.69 58.01 0.54 1.58 34.26 5.62 0.30 - - - -

Cooch Behar 4.81 58.92 63.73 0.27 6.35 28.35 1.30 0.06 - - - -

Kolkata 17.59 13.89 31.48 9.57 0.21 46.40 12.35 0.004 0.002 - - -

Maldah 5.58 36.63 42.21 2.18 2.18 50.41 3.01 0.18

- - -

Murshidabad 18.43 25.51 43.94 2.54 2.83 50.12 0.58 0.05 0.002 - - -

Nadia 22.04 28.74 50.78 1.20 0.76 46.41 0.84 0.04 0.005 - - -

South 24 Pgs 17.17 30.64 47.81 2.44 3.65 44.49 1.61 0.05 - - - -

North 24 Pgs 4.06 47.80 51.86 0.38 6.33 40.33 1.10 0.07 - - - -

Medinipur

(E&W) 10.49 54.13 64.62 1.55 2.07 30.27 1.50 0.25 - - - -

Purulia 0.72 44.02 44.74 4.02 11.77 36.37 3.10 0.19 - - - -

WB State 9.21 45.21 54.42 1.97 3.54 37.91 0.006 2.13 0.01 negligible

Source: Directorate of Animal Resource & Animal Health, GoWB; Statistical Abstract 2014

India has a total 137 breeds of domesticated animals, of which only a few breeds, including

some internationally recognised ones, are available in West Bengal. The State has some

high-quality and high-yielding breeds of cattle and buffaloes (Table 1.8). Sahiwal, Gir, Jersey

and Holstein Friesian breeds in cows, and Murrah breed in buffaloes were known for their

high milk yielding capacity. The Jersey breed is found in all over the state of West Bengal.

But till today, indigenous breeds are predominant in the state. However, the performances

of some breeds that are commonly found in this state are presented in Table 1.9.

It has been observed that, between 1982 and 1992, livestock population per hundred

households, has declined by about 15.02 per cent with highest decline among large and

medium landholding size categories (Table 1.10). This is perhaps because of the facts that

medium and large farmers are increasingly relying on machine powers rather draft power

13

for farming activities. Small and marginal farmers are maintaining livestock both for draft

power as well as for alternative source of livelihood.

Table 1.7: District-wise Livestock and Bovine Density (1992-2012) in WB

Districts

Livestock (No. per sq km) Bovine (No. per sq km)

1994* 1997 2003 2007 2012 1994 1997 2003 2007 2012

Bankura 331 353 389 384 330 210 219 215 240 208

Burdwan (E&W) 407 435 511 489 381 247 259 265 264 218

Birbhum 436 462 533 519 422 232 240 243 264 223

South Dinajpur 362 385 418 466 432 217 225 220 268 230

North Dinajpur 380 406 484 495 426 212 219 261 266 243

Darjeeling 164 176 223 173 131 77 80 71 94 73

Howrah 495 530 592 367 404 315 331 328 239 304

Hooghly 581 622 716 576 487 334 349 351 333 311

Jalpaiguri

+Alipurduar 211 224 294 265 248 128 132 152 165 154

Cooch Behar 517 553 630 502 401 292 303 278 312 260

Kolkata 323 359 394 243 69 103 117 91 39 32

Maldah 727 793 381 486 465 182 191 193 210 213

Murshidabad 466 502 580 661 404 204 215 258 264 189

Nadia 573 616 687 478 372 266 277 282 228 195

South 24 Pgs 241 256 318 225 151 118 122 135 112 80

North 24 Pgs 538 576 686 454 327 304 319 341 241 167

Medinipur (E&W) 316 340 404 418 360 223 231 251 274 242

Purulia 326 334 387 342 289 175 166 168 167 146

WB State 381 408 454 413 335 207 215 225 225 193

*Note: Data for 1992 is not available in WB

Source: NDDB: Statistical Abstract 2014: Directorate of Animal Resource & Animal Health, GoWB

Table 1.8: Distribution of West Bengal’s Cattle Breeds in WB

Breeds Breeding Tract Utility Distribution

A) Cattle

Sahiwal Breeding Tract is Montgomery region/ district

of undivided India (present Pakistan)

Milch Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan,

West Bengal

Gir Originated in Gir forests of South Kathiawar in

Gujarat. Also found in Amreli, Bhavnagar,

Junagadh and Rajkot districts of

Gujarat,Maharashtra and adjacent Rajasthan.

Milch Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh,

Maharashtra, West Bengal. Exported

to Brazil, Mexico, USA and

Venezuela.

Jersey Island of Jersey, U.K Milch West Bengal and some other states

of India.

Holstein

Friesian

Northern parts of Netherlands, especially in

the province of Friesland.

Milch West Bengal and some other states

of India.

B) Buffalo

Murrah Rohtak, Hisar and Jind of Haryana, Nabha and

Patiala districts of Punjab and southern parts

of Delhi state

Milch Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Western U.P,

West Bengal, etc.

Source: AE Nivsarkar et al., (2000), Animal Genetics Resources of India, Cattle and Buffalo, ICAR publication.

Website: vikaspedia.in/agriculture/livestock/cattle-buffalo/breeds-of-cattle-buffalo

14

Table 1.9: Performance of Cattle and Buffalo Breeds

Parameter

Cattle Buffalo

Sahiwal Gir Jersey Holstein Murrah

Breed Population

(‘000)

Lactation

Yield(kg)

Field 2325

(1600 - 2750)

2790

(2732 - 3312)

3476

(1722 – 4500)

4300

(3926 - 4568)

1752

(1003-2057)

Farm 1900 2125

(1835 - 2950)

4000 6000 1500 - 2500

Lactation

Length(days)

318

(285 - 375)

305

(302 - 329)

325 - 357 312 - 349 299

(269 - 337)

Calving Interval

(days)

450

(390 - 550)

435

(420 - 480)

465

(450 - 490)

453

(430 - 604)

Dry Period (days) 165

(158 - 172)

115

(75 - 155)

Age at First

calving (months)

1183

(940 - 1520) 46

(44 - 53)

900 - 1260 1320 - 1680 1319

(1214 - 1647)

Source: NDDB, Kolkata; Animal Genetics Resources of India, Cattle and Buffalo, ICAR publication.

Table 1.10: Livestock per 100 Households across Landholding Size: West Bengal

Landholding Size

(Ha)

Livestock per 100 Households across Landholding Size in

West Bengal

1982 1992 % Change

I. Landless 43 21 -51.16

II. Up to 0.2 77 247 220.78

III. 0.21 – 1.0 614 509 -17.10

IV. 1.01 – 4.0 1707 723 -57.64

V. 4.01 – 10 3527 538 -84.75

VI. > 10.0 1937 0 -100.00

All 233 198 -15.02 Source: NSSO 37

th, 48

th & 59

th Rounds, Reports on Land and Livestock Holding Survey, GOI.

The decline however, is significantly higher i.e. 100 per cent among the households of

largest landholding size class (with >10 hectares of land). What is however important is that

the livestock population in the first group of landholding size (i.e. up to 0.2 hectare) has

increased at a significant rate by 220.78%, though it has decreased again in the next size

class (i.e. 0.21–1.0 hectare). The point should be underlined here that the percentage of

declination in livestock population starts rising from this category of households and

reaching a peak at 100 per cent among the largest landholding size class, i.e. with >10

hectares of land. The evidence suggests sustained importance of livestock among marginal

farmers only as compared to landless and medium to large farmers.

15

Among different species of livestock, the steepest decline is observed in the case of buffalo

(90.9%), followed by bullocks (34.7%) and then by cow (14.5%). The average size of sheep

and goat possessed by all rural households has increased by 23.5 per cent. It may be noted

that the increase in the average size of sheep and goat has been observed among the

marginal and small landholding size classes. The landless and the medium and large

landholding size classes once again, have lost out thus, registering a negative growth (Table

1.11).

Table 1.11: No of Major Livestock Species per 100 Households across Landholding Size in

West Bengal (1982 & 1992)

Landholding

Size (Ha) No.

Bullock Cow Buffalo Sheep and Goat

19

82

19

92

% C

ha

ng

e

19

82

19

92

% C

ha

ng

e

19

82

19

92

% C

ha

ng

e

19

82

19

92

% C

ha

ng

e

I. Landless 6 1 -83.3 13 6 -53.8 0 0 0 24 14 -41.6

II. Up to 0.2 15 25 66.6 30 68 126.6 1 2 100.0 31 152 390.3

III. 0.2 – 1.0 256 182 -28.9 169 134 -20.7 15 1 -93.3 174 192 10.3

IV 1.01 – 4.0 689 254 -63.1 451 173 -61.6 115 4 -96.5 452 292 -35.4

V 4.01 – 10 1164 184 -84.1 1245 159 -87.2 595 16 -97.3 523 179 -65.8

VI > 10.0 547 0 -100.0 347 0 -100.0 200 0 -100.0 843 0 -100.0

All 92 60 -34.7 62 53 -14.5 11 1 -90.9 68 84 23.5

Source: NSSO 37th

, 48th

& 59th

Rounds, Reports on Land and Livestock Holding Survey, GOI.

The following Table 1.12 presents the number per 1000 of households reporting owing

livestock of different types for each size class of households operational holdings in West

Bengal (Rural) as per NSSO -59th round conducted in 2003.

1.5 Plan wise Outlay and Expenditure under Dairy Development

Livestock sector has been making rapid strides and spectacular growth in recent time, with

positive impact on the lives of rural people mainly small farmers, marginal farmers and

agricultural landless labours by raising their living standards considerably.

The State Government policy has been providing necessary support for dairy development

in the state through cooperative sector. Table 1.13 gives details regarding plan-wise outlay

and expenditure on animal husbandry and dairy development by the Government of West

Bengal (excluding central assistance and fund). This table shows that there has been

consistent increase in the plan provision for animal husbandry and dairy development. The

16

proportion of plan expenditure in the plan provision has also been increasing with up and

down pattern. This has led to increase in number of milch animals, milk production and

qualitative improvement in milch animals.

Table 1.12: Number per 1000 of households reporting owing livestock of different types

for each size class of household’s operational holdings in West Bengal (Rural)

2002-03

size class of

operational

holding (ha)

West Bengal (Rural)- No. of households per 1000 households reporting owning of

cattle buffalo other

large

heads

sheep,

goats

fowl*,

duck

other

birds

pigs

and

rabbits

cross

breed

non-

descript

all

nil 0 0 0 0 1 45 111 1 1

≤ 0.002 17 239 256 0 0 932 727 0 442

0.002 - 0.005 54 519 573 1 0 439 427 8 50

0.005 - 0.040 85 85 632 8 0 347 499 12 57

0.040 - 0.5 65 458 517 20 0 257 353 8 10

0.5 - 1.0 99 672 749 51 0 316 491 14 20

1.0 - 2.0 60 720 761 89 0 307 500 16 38

2.0 - 3.0 152 771 877 139 0 374 570 48 0

3.0 - 4.0 103 793 896 153 0 504 511 48 0

4.0 - 5.0 212 788 1000 0 0 46 253 0 0

5.0 - 7.5 404 443 791 404 0 133 281 0 0

7.5 - 10.0 0 1000 1000 0 0 0 556 0 0

10.0 - 20.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

> 20.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

all sizes 52 378 423 23 0 219 326 8 17

Note: *includes hens, cocks and chickens.

Source: Livestock Ownership Across Operational Holding Classes in India, NSS Report No. 493(59/18.1/1).

The outlay and expenditure on dairy development has also increased over the period of

time. However, percentage share of expenditure on dairy development to total expenditure

has declined considerably (Fig. 1.4 & Table 1.13). As compared to around 41.29 per cent

share of total expenditure on dairy development during 1974-1978, it has declined to 10.69

per cent during the period of 2002-03 to 2011-12. The proportion of expenditure to outlay

on dairy development was much better during the corresponding period, which was

recorded for the period from 2012-13 to 2014-15, to be around 4 times than the allotment

of Rs. 78.60 lakh for the period of 12th

FYP.

1.6 Growth in Milk Production and Productivity (Regional trend)

West Bengal is a state in the eastern India. Milk production in this state has been improving

considerably due to the efforts of the Operation Flood Projects. But the per capita

availability is far below from the other improved states like Haryana, Punjab, etc. The main

17

reason behind this is lack of high milk producing milch animals. Most of the animals in West

Bengal are Zebu cattle i.e. non descriptive cow whose productivity is very low. In order to

improve the productivity of Bengal desi cow, Artificial Insemination (AI) with frozen semen

of quality breeds is being extensively carried out. The entire breedable cow population in

the state is being tried to be brought under the coverage of AI at the Gram Panchyat (GP)

level. Moreover co-operative unions are also responsible for performing AI under their care.

They also supply feed, fodder seeds etc. to the beneficiary farmers which in turn help to

improve the milk production of the state. In fact, the numbers of initiatives were taken by

the government which could help in improving the milk productivity over the period.

A trend showing the increase in milk production over the past one and half decades is

depicted in Fig 1.5. The graph shows there is a consistent increase in the production of milk

over the years. The milk production has increased from 35 lakh tonnes in 2000-2001 to 49.6

lakh tonnes in 2014-15 registering a growth of 41.71 per cent over base year. The milk

production in the state has been increasing continuously. As a result, the per capita

0.00

20.00

40.00

60.00

80.00

100.00

120.00

140.00

160.00

0

20000

40000

60000

80000

100000

120000

140000

IV F

YP

(1

96

9 t

o 1

97

4)

V F

YP

(1

97

4 t

o 1

97

8)

AP

(7

8-7

9 t

o 7

9-8

0)

VI

FY

P (

19

80

-19

85

)

VII

FY

P (

19

85

-19

90

)

AP

(1

99

0-9

1)

AP

(1

99

1-9

2)

VII

I F

YP

(1

99

2-9

7)

IX F

YP

(9

7-9

8 t

o 0

1-0

2)

X F

YP

(0

2-0

3 t

o 0

6-0

7)

XI

FY

P (

07

-08

to

11

-12

)

AP

(2

01

2-1

3)

AP

(2

01

3-1

4)

AP

(2

01

4-1

5)

AP

(2

01

5-1

6)

Total Outlay (Rs. Lakh)

Total Expenditure (Rs. Lakh)

Dairy share (%) in expenditure

Dairy share(%) in outlay

Fig. 1.4: Plan wise Outlay & Expenditure on Animal Husbandry & Dairy Development in WB State

Rs.

in

la

kh

% t

o t

ota

l

18

availability of milk in the state increased from 116 gms/day in 2000-01 to 145 gms/day in

2014-15 (Table 1.14).

Table 1.13: Plan-wise Outlay and Expenditure on Animal Husbandry and Dairy

Development in WB

Sr.

No.

Plan Period Outlay (Rs. In Lakh) Expenditure (Rs. In Lakh)

Animal

Husbandry

(Revised)

Dairy

Development

(Revised)

Total Animal

Husbandry

Dairy

Development

Total

1 IV FYP (1969 to1974) 457.49 390.13 847.61 451.67 327.25 778.92

2 V FYP (1974 to 1978) - 1368.00 1368.00 475.00 334.00 809.00

3 AP (1978-79 to 1979-80) Sector wise figure not available

4 VI FYP (1980-1985) 4400.00 (AH+Dairy)

4400.00 2148.42 (AH+Dairy) 2148.42

5 VII FYP (1985- 1990) 3630.00 1845.00 5475.00 2439.00 798.00 3237.00

6 AP(1990-91)

- - - 467.94 172.95 640.89

7 AP (1991-92)

- - - 246.89 76.83 323.72

8 VIII FYP (1992-97)

5325.79 1874.21 7200.00 1218.32 335.36 1553.68

9 IX FYP (1997-98 to

2001 -02)

6190.00 2449.00 8639.00 6518.42 2053.69 8572.11

10 X FYP (2002-03 to

2006-07)

11033.27 3214.85 14248.12 3704.43 1387.37 5091.80

11 XI FYP (2007-08 to 2011-

12)

27828.00 1051.00 28879.00 26079.13 2179.41 28258.54

12 AP (20I2-201 3) 1221.50

(5 yrs outlay)

78.60

(5 yrs outlay)

1300.10

(5 yrs outlay)

299.44 94.94 394.38

13 AP (2013-2014) - - 298.67 95.74 394.41

14 AP (20 l4-20I 5) - - 335.69 117.31 453.00

15 AP (2015-201 6) - -

Source: Statistical Abstract 2014, Govt. Of West Bengal

Out of total milk production, about 47.98 per cent of the milk production is contributed by

Indigenous cow followed by 44.35 per cent by Crossbred cow. The buffalo contribute 4.64

per cent of the total milk production in the state whereas Goat contributes 3.02 per cent to

total milk production (Table 1.14). The productivity of cows and buffalo in term of daily milk

yield is increasing continuously (Fig 1.6). Despite of increase in milk yield, there is still a wide

scope for improving milk yield of milch animals.

19

Table 1.14: Milk Production in West Bengal: 2000-01 to 2015-16

Sr.

No Year

Milk Production in million tones Growth of

Milk

Production

(%) over

base year

Per Capita

availability

(gms/

day)

In milk Cow

In Milk

Buffalo

In milk

Bovine

In Milk

Goat

Total

Indigenous

C.B.

1 2000-01 3.10

0.30

0.10 3.50 - 116

2 2001-02

3.51 0.29 120

3 2002-03 2.22 0.96 0.30 3.48 0.12 3.60 2.86 121

4 2003-04 2.26 1.01 0.30 3.57 0.12 3.69 5.31 122

5 2004-05 2.32 1.06 0.29 3.67 0.12 3.79 8.29 124

6 2005-06 2.38 1.09 0.30 3.77 0.12 3.89 11.17 125

7 2006-07 2.19 1.44 0.25 3.88 0.11 3.98 13.77 126

8 2007-08 2.24 1.49 0.24 3.97 0.11 4.08 16.49 128

9 2008-09 2.28 1.54 0.25 4.07 0.11 4.18 19.31 129

10 2009-10 2.12 1.83 0.22 4.17 0.13 4.30 22.83 131

11 2010-11 2.19 1.92 0.22 4.33 0.14 4.47 27.74 135

12 2011-12 2.28 2.02 0.22 4.51 0.15 4.66 33.11 139

13 2012-13 2.36 2.12 0.23 4.71 0.15 4.86 38.80 144

14 2013-14 2.36 2.16 0.24 4.75 0.15 4.91 40.14 144

15 2014-15 2.38 2.20 0.23 4.81 0.15 4.96 41.69 145

16 2015-16 3.06 1.61 0.24 4.91 - - - -

Source: Dept. of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries, GoI; Annual Administrative Report, ARD Dept.

0.00

10.00

20.00

30.00

40.00

50.00

60.00

20

00

-01

20

01

-02

20

02

-03

20

03

-04

20

04

-05

20

05

-06

20

06

-07

20

07

-08

20

08

-09

20

09

-10

20

10

-11

20

11

-12

20

12

-13

20

13

-14

20

14

-15

20

15

-16

To

tal

mil

k p

rod

uct

ion

(la

kh

mt)

Fig. 1.5: Trends in Total Milk production in West Bengal state (2000-01 to 2015-16)

20

Fig. 1.6: Species wise Trends in Total Milk Productivity in West Bengal state

Out of total bovine milk production in 2015-16, 62.32 per cent share accounts for

Indigenous cattle, 32.79 per cent share accounts for Crossbred cows and remaining 4.89 per

cent was of Buffalo breed (Table 1.14). The significant growth in population of in milk bovine

animals supported by increase in milk yield of bovine animals which has increased (bovine

milk production) by 21.23 per cent in 2015-16 over 2002-03 (Fig. 1.7). The share of cross

bread cows in total milk production has increased while share of indigenous cows and

buffalo has declined during last one and half decade. The corresponding share was 66.75

per cent, 28.19 per cent and 5.06 per cent respectively in 2000-01.

District-wise milk production in West Bengal state for the year 2015-16 is presented in Fig

2.8. It can be seen that Medinipur East and West district jointly is the highest milk producing

district in the state with an estimated milk production of about 903 thousand tonnes during

2015-16 accounting 18.40 per cent of total milk production in the state.

0.00

1.00

2.00

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00

7.00

20

02

-03

20

03

-04

20

04

-05

20

05

-06

20

06

-07

20

07

-08

20

08

-09

20

09

-10

20

10

-11

20

11

-12

20

12

-13

20

13

-14

20

14

-15

20

15

-16

Indegenous cattle milk yield (kg/day) Crossbreed cattle milk yield (kg/day)

Buffalo milk yield (kg/day)

kg

/da

y

21

0.00

0.50

1.00

1.50

2.00

2.50

3.00

3.50

4.00

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

7,000

8,000

9,000

10,000

20

02

-03

20

03

-04

20

04

-05

20

05

-06

20

06

-07

20

07

-08

20

08

-09

20

09

-10

20

10

-11

20

11

-12

20

12

-13

20

13

-14

20

14

-15

20

15

-16

Bovine Milk production ('000MT)

Bovine population('000)

Milk yield (kg/day)

Fig. 1.7: Yearwise In milk Bovine Population, Milk Yield and Bovine Milk Production

Mil

k y

ield

(k

g)

Bo

vin

e p

op

ula

tio

n (

00

0)/

Bo

vin

e m

ilk

pro

du

ctio

n (

00

0 m

t)

0.00

2.00

4.00

6.00

8.00

10.00

12.00

14.00

16.00

18.00

20.00

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1000

Ba

nk

ura

Bu

rdw

an

(E

&W

)

Bir

bh

um

So

uth

Din

ajp

ur

No

rth

Din

ajp

ur

Da

rje

eli

ng

Ho

wra

h

Ho

og

hly

Jalp

aig

uri

+A

lip

urd

ua

r

Co

och

Be

ha

r

Ko

lka

ta

Ma

lda

h

Mu

rsh

ida

ba

d

Na

dia

So

uth

24

Pg

s

No

rth

24

Pg

s

Me

din

ipu

r (E

&W

)

Pu

ruli

a

Milk Production (000 MT)

% share to state total

Fig. 1.8: Districtwise Milk Production in West Bengal (2015-16)

Mil

k p

rod

uct

ion

in 0

00

mt

22

Burdwan East and West district jointly is the second largest producer of milk with an

estimated share of about 11.15 per cent, followed by Murshidabad (7.76 %), Bankura

(7.17%) and Nadia (6.48%). The top thirteen districts together contributes about 77.22 per

cent of milk production of the state, those are Bankura, Burdwan (E & W), Birbhum,

Howrah, Hooghly, Jalpaiguri + Alipurduar, Murshidabad, Nadia, North 24 Parganas and

Medinipur (E & W). Category-wise share of milk production in West Bengal clearly indicate

that top ranked milk producer nine districts in West Bengal are dominated by the

production of milk by Indigenous cows, followed by Crossbred, Buffalo and Goat (Table

1.15).

The species-wise district wise milk yield data presented in Fig 1.9 & Map 1.1 indicate that

among the species, the highest milk yield was recorded in buffalo followed by cross breed

cows. The highest bovine milk yield is recorded in Darjeeling district (5.9 kg/day) and the

lowest was in Purulia district (1.1 kg/day). In case of indigenous cows, highest milk yield was

recorded in Kolkata district (5.0 kg/day) and the lowest was in Purulia (0.9 kg/day).

Table 1.15: District wise & category wise Percentage share of Milk Production in WB

Name of the

District

District wise & category wise Percentage share of Milk Production in WB (2014-15)

% share of

Crossbred

Cow

% share of

Indigenous

Cow

% share of

Total Cattle

% share of

Buffalo

% share of

Goat

% share of

Total Milk

Production

Medinipur (E&W) 15.75 18.09 16.97 5.53 13.29 16.32

Burdwan (E&W) 10.10 13.16 11.69 23.71 11.62 12.25

Murshidabad 14.94 5.31 9.94 8.47 9.01 9.84

Nadia 12.72 4.78 8.60 2.11 3.80 8.15

Hooghly 9.58 6.23 7.84 9.46 5.22 7.84

North 24 Pgs 8.85 4.64 6.67 25.41 4.08 7.47

Bankura 4.06 6.68 5.42 4.53 8.29 5.47

Maldah 3.79 5.96 4.92 4.34 7.03 4.95

Howrah 1.61 7.61 4.72 2.80 1.41 4.53

Jalpaiguri +Alipurduar 3.58 4.42 4.02 1.22 3.36 3.86

Birbhum 2.71 4.15 3.46 3.23 9.86 3.64

South 24 Pgs 1.72 4.84 3.34 2.26 3.23 3.29

Darjeeling 5.07 1.82 3.38 1.01 1.49 3.21

North Dinajpur 2.12 3.76 2.97 2.46 5.68 3.03

Cooch Behar 2.11 4.02 3.10 0.31 2.39 2.95

South Dinajpur 0.70 2.95 1.87 0.07 2.77 1.81

Purulia 0.40 1.52 0.98 2.13 7.43 1.23

Kolkata 0.18 0.06 0.12 0.96 0.05 0.16

WB State 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

Source: NDDB, Kolkata

23

Among the species, the highest milk yield was recorded in cross breed cows in Darjeeling

district (6.5 kg/day) and the lowest was in Purulia district (4.3 kg/day). Kolkata district was

the top rank district in case of buffalo yield (6.7 kg/day) while same was recorded lowest in

Purulia district (2.4 kg/day). The highest milk density is recorded in Hooghly (437

kg/day/sqkm) and at the same time highest per capita milk availability is also recorded in

Hooghly district (248 gm/day) (Fig. 1.10).

1.7 Milk Consumption and Marketable Surplus

On the basis of availability of data on milk utilisation pattern in West Bengal, it has been

found that out of total production of milk at home, about 57 per cent was sold, while 39 per

cent milk was consumed at the home and remaining 4 per cent milk was converted into milk

products in 2009-10. The share of quantity of milk sold has been increased to 65 per cent in

2014-15, while consumption of milk share declined to 22 per cent and share of converted

into milk products increased to 13 per cent during the same period (Table 1.16).

0

5

10

15

20

25

Ba

nk

ura

Bu

rdw

an

(E

&W

)

Bir

bh

um

So

uth

Din

ajp

ur

No

rth

Din

ajp

ur

Da

rje

eli

ng

Ho

wra

h

Ho

og

hly

Jalp

aig

uri

+A

lip

urd

ua

r

Co

och

Be

ha

r

Ko

lka

ta

Ma

lda

h

Mu

rsh

ida

ba

d

Na

dia

So

uth

24

Pg

s

No

rth

24

Pg

s

Me

din

ipu

r (E

&W

)

Pu

ruli

a

We

st B

en

ga

l

Buffalo Crossbred Indigenous Bovine

Mil

k y

ield

(k

g/d

ay)

Fig. 1.9: Specieswise Districtwise Milk Yield (kg/day) 2014-15

24

Map 1.1: District wise Yield of Species

25

Table 1.16: Milk Utilisation Pattern in Households in West Bengal (1997-98 to 2015-16)

Item Milk Utilisation Pattern in Households in West Bengal (1997-98 to 2015-16)

1997-

98

2000-

01

2003-

04

2006-

07

2007-

08

2008-

09

2009-

10

2011-

12

2012-

13

2013-

14

2014-

15

2015-

16

Quantity

sold (%) - - - - - - 57 56 57 57 65 -

Converted

into milk

products

(%)

- - - - - - 4 5 4 5 13 -

Consumed

at home - - - - - - 39 38 39 38 22 -

Source : NDDB (Kolkata); Directorate of Animal Husbandry, Govt. of West Bengal.

1.8 Status of Availability of Feed and Fodder

As against the estimated animals’ requirements of dry matter, feed resources available in

West Bengal are lower. In the last almost one and half decade (1997 to 2011), shortage of

dry matter in the State reduced from 57.86 per cent of the requirement to 46.91 per cent

(Table 1.17).

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

Ba

nk

ura

Bu

rdw

an

(E

&W

)

Bir

bh

um

So

uth

Din

ajp

ur

No

rth

Din

ajp

ur

Da

rje

eli

ng

Ho

wra

h

Ho

og

hly

Jalp

aig

uri

+A

lip

urd

ua

r

Co

och

Be

ha

r

Ko

lka

ta

Ma

lda

h

Mu

rsh

ida

ba

d

Na

dia

So

uth

24

Pg

s

No

rth

24

Pg

s

Me

din

ipu

r (E

&W

)

Pu

ruli

a

We

st B

en

ga

l

Per capita milk availability (gm/day) Milk Production density (kg/day/sq.km)

Mil

k p

rod

uct

ion

/ A

va

ila

bil

ity

Fig. 1.10: Districtwise Milk Production Density and Per Capita Availability of Milk (2012-13)

26

Green fodder is a comparatively economical source of nutrients. However, the availability of

green fodder is too lower than estimated requirement in West Bengal. The estimation in

2007-08 regarding area under fodder crops indicated that only 0.04 per cent area (3600

hectare) to the gross sown area of 9752 thousand hectare was under fodder cultivation in

West Bengal. Murshidabad district had the largest area under fodder crops (0.15%) followed

by Nadia (0.14%), Hooghly (0.13%), Birbhum (0.05%) and Cooch Behar (0.02%) district (Fig.

1.11). In West Bengal, there is absence of regulated and organized fodder market. Small

scale marketing of fodder exists in all rural areas of the state where fodder are sold by

producers to traders or directly to the consumers. In rural areas, farmers having surplus

fodder sell some quantity to needy cattle owners. Generally, demand for green and dry

fodders in a village is met from within village. While green fodder is available from crops like

lucerne, bajra, maize and sorghum, the sources of dry fodder are crop-residues and by-

product of cereals and pulses crops. Farmers bring head loads or cartloads of fodder from

their fields to the village. Normally, surplus green fodder is sold as standing crop on area

basis. Surplus dry straw is sold either in bundles or weight basis in the village to needy cattle

owners. Natural grass is abundantly available from during the month of September to

October when grass is harvested. Generally, grass producers sell their grass soon after the

harvest to needy farmers. Grass being a bulky and less remunerative product, producers sell

it just after harvest.

Table 1.17: Dry matter Availability, Requirement & Surplus/Deficit in West Bengal

Year Dry matter Availability, Requirement & Surplus/Deficit in WB (000MT)

Availability Requirement Deficit/Surplus

1992 - - -

1997 17,049 40,462 -23,413

2003 27,519 46,308 -18,789

2007 29,344 45,855 -16,511

2008 30,025 46,437 -16,412

2009 30,025 47,347 -17,322

2010 28,165 48,627 -20,462

2011 26,719 50,327 -23,608

Source: NDDB, Kolkata

27

1.9 Infrastructure Development

The milk co-operatives in West Bengal have developed modern systems of veterinary care

and artificial insemination and provide these services to a large number of milk producers at

very low prices. The district co-operatives have vans equipped with a trained veterinary

surgeon and medicines stationed in different centres to cater to the needs of the members

of the cooperatives. The special emphasis on development of dairy infrastructure was given

during the Operation Flood movement.

The animal health care is more important for all over economic growth in West Bengal state

at present. For veterinary Services, 110 State Animal Health Centre (SAHC) & District

Veterinary Hospital (DVH), 341 Block Animal Health Centre (BAHC), 273 Additional Block

Animal Health Centre (ABAHC), 3248 Animal Development Aid Center (ADAC) and 5744

Artificial Insemination Centre (AIC) are working at present. Still these facilities are not

available in the interior villages. The state has no any facility for Mobile Animal Health

Centre. In case of Cattle Breeding Farm, the West Bengal state has 7 Breeding Farms in

Haringhata, Kurseong, Salboni, Suri, Kharagpur, Kalyani, and Beldanga. These Breeding

0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1

1.2

1.4

1.6

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

Gross sown area ('000 ha)

Area under fodder crops ('000 ha)

% area under fodder crops to GSA

Gro

ss s

ow

n a

rea

('0

00

ha

)

Are

a u

nd

er

fod

de

r cr

op

s ('

00

0 h

a)

&

% a

rea

un

de

r fo

dd

er

cro

pa

to

GS

A

Fig. 1.11 Districtwise Area under Fodder Crops in West Bengal 2007-08

28

Farms are operating since 1990-91. Besides cattle Breeding Farm, the state has 27 Poultry

Breeding Farms also. The location of these Poultry Breeding Farms is as follows: (i) State

Poultry Farm, Tollygunge, Kolkata, (ii) State Poultry Farm, Nimpith, South 24-Parganas, (iii)

State Poultry Farm, Kakdwip, South 24-Parganas, (iv) State Poultry Farm, Gobardanga, North

24-Parganas, (v) State Poultry Farm, Ranaghat, Nadia, (vi) State Poultry Farm, Krishnagar,

Nadia, (vii) State Poultry Farm, Haringhata, Nadia, (viii) State Livestock Farm, Kalyani, Nadia,

(ix) DCF, Domkol, Murshidabad, (x) State Poultry Farm, Berhampore, Murshidabad, (xi) State

Poultry Farm, Malda, (xii) SDBF, Raigunj, Uttar Dinajpur, (xiii) SDPF, Cooch Behar, (xiv) State

Poultry Farm, Balurghat, Dakshin Dinajpur, (xv) State Poultry Farm, Mohitnagar, Jalpaiguri,

(xvi) PMC, Kurseong, Darjeeling, (xvii) DCF, Purulia, (xviii) SDBF, Medinipur, (xix) SPF,

Medinipur (xx) DCF, Contai, Purba Medinipur, (xxi) SDPF, Bankura, (xxii) DCF, Suri, Birbhum,

(xxiii) State Poultry Farm, Durgapur, Burdwan, (xxiv) State Poultry Farm, Golapbag, Rajbati,

Burdwan, (xxv) DCF, Burdwan, (xxvi) DCF, Baligori, Hooghly, (xxvii) DCF, Kantapukur,

Howrah.

Table 1.18: Veterinary Infrastructure and Manpower in West Bengal state

Year No. of Veterinary

Institutions

No. of

Veterinarians

Cattle Equivalent Units

Per Veterinary

Institution

Cattle Equivalent Per

Veterinarian

2010-11 8440 6538 - -

2011-12 9716 7168 - -

2012-13 9716 6770 - -

2013-14 9102 - - -

2014-15 9014 - - -

Note: Data of “No. of Veterinarians” for the year 2013-14 & 2014-15 is not available.

Source: State Statistical Hand Book 2015 (Vet. Instn) & District Statistical Hand Book 2013 (Vetn), GoWB

Table 1.19: Growth in Infrastructure facilities for Animal Husbandry in West Bengal

Year

Growth in Infrastructure facilities for Animal Husbandry in West Bengal (Nos)

SAHC +

DVH

BAHC ABAHC ADAC MAHC AIC

(including

PB+Coop)

Breeding Farms

Cattle Poultry

1960-61 - - - - - - - -

1970-71 - - - - - - - -

1980-81 - - - - - - - -

1990-91 110 341 270 620 82 114 7 -

2000-01 110 341 271 2147 - 3512 7 -

2010-11 110 341 271 3248 5 4465 7 26

2011-12 110 341 273 3248 - 5744 7 26

2012-13 110 341 273 3248 - 5744 7 27

Source: Statistical Abstract 2014 & District Statistical Hand Book 2013, Govt. of West Bengal; Animal

Resource Development Department, Govt. of West Bengal

29

The details about the veterinary infrastructure and Manpower available in West Bengal

state is presented in Table 1.18, growth in infrastructure facilities for animal Husbandry in

West Bengal is presented in Table 1.19 and district wise number of veterinary institutions in

West Bengal during 2012 – 2013 is presented in Table 1.20.

Table 1.20: District wise Number of Veterinary Institutions in West Bengal (2012–2013)

Sr.

No.

District SAHC +

DVH

BAHC ABAHC ADAC MAHC AIC (including

PB+Coop)

Total

Vet. Insti.

1 Bankura 5 22 22 190 - 343 582

2 Burdwan (E&W) 11 31 20 277 - 473 812

3 Birbhum 7 19 17 167 - 276 486

4 South Dinajpur 2 8 8 65 - 133 216

5 North Dinajpur 3 9 9 99 - 187 307

6 Darjeeling 6 10 7 22 - 69 114

7 Howrah 3 14 11 157 - 254 439

8 Hoogly 5 18 17 210 - 386 636

9 Jalpaiguri 6 13 13 148 - 240 420

10 Cooch Behar 6 14 10 128 - 220 378

11 Kolkata 1 1

12 Maldah 4 15 15 147 - 252 433

13 Murshidabad 8 26 17 255 - 545 851

14 Nadia 9 17 16 187 - 404 633

15 South 24 Pgs 6 29 20 312 - 410 777

16 North 24 Pgs 6 22 16 200 - 397 641

17 Medinipur (E&W) 14 54 36 514 - 864 1482

18 Purulia 8 20 19 170 - 290 507

WB State 110 341 273 3248 - 5744 9716

Source: District Statistical Hand Book 2013, GoWB

There are seventeen Co-operative Milk Unions as well as Co-operative Dairy Unions in West

Bengal. But, there is no authentic and published information regarding Milk processing

capacity in West Bengal state. However, the details on number of societies with bulk milk

cooler (BMC), automatic milk collection System (AMCS) and number of chilling centre with

installed capacity (1000 litres/day) is presented in Table 1.21. Medinipur, North 24

Parganas, Nadia, Darjeeling, South 24 Parganas and Bankura district have these

infrastructure available on larger number than other districts in the state.

1.10 Need of the study

West Bengal, an eastern state of India have moderate to low development status. According

to Census of India 2011, the population density in West Bengal was 1028 persons/ square

kilometre as compared to national average of 368 persons/ square kilometre. Urbanisation

is relatively low (19%) compared to the national average of 31%. The shift from cultivators

to agriculture labourers is significant in West Bengal as compared to national shift. There is

30

a critical need for generating adequate employment opportunities for these groups of

population. But there is a crisis of gainful employment round the year. Dairy farming may

become the alternative way of livelihood for this unemployed population.

Table 1.21: Details about Bulk Cooler, Automatic Milk Collection Systems and Chilling

Centres facility with Dairy Cooperative Societies in West Bengal

Sr.

No.

Name of Milk Producers’

Co- op. Union Ltd.

No. of Societies with No. of Chilling Centre-

Installed Capacity

(1000 litres/day) Bulk Milk

Cooler (BMC)

Automatic Milk Collection

System (AMCS)

1 Midnapore MU 15 80 38.0

2 Damodar MU 7 23 18.0

3 Ichhamati MU 14 52 56.0

4 Bardhaman MU 8 25 23.5

5 Kishan Mu 20 47 43.0

6 Himul MU 21 40 33.0

7 Fedn MU (Murshidabad) 3 0 25.0

8 Bhagirathi MU 1 172 5.0

9 Sundarban MU 14 4 15.5

10 Mayurakshi MU 6 8 6.5

11 Kulick MU (N. Dinajpur) 7 17 7.0

12 Kangshabati MU 18 34 21.0

13 Manbhum MU 2 4 5.0

14 Fedn MU (Malda) 4 8 3.0

15 Howrah MU 8 3 4.0

16 Kulick MU (S. Dinajpur) 3 5 2.0

17 Jalpaiguri 2 0 8.0

Total 153 522 313.5

Source: NDDB, Kolkata

The West Bengal state has predominantly indigenous cows, mostly non-descript. Share of

non-descript indigenous cows in this state is about two-thirds of total cow population. The

productivity levels of milch animals are quite low. This shows that the genetic pool of the

milch animal population is of low quality.

This observation indicate that the status of dairy development in West Bengal is low in

comparison to elsewhere in the country, despite the fact that this region has relatively

superior resource endowment. The dairy cooperative structure in the area has been weak in

comparison to elsewhere in the country. The coverage of dairy cooperatives in terms of

villages, milk producers and share of milk procurement in surplus milk is low. There is

immense potentiality for using agricultural wastes e.g. paddy straw, jute wastes and

vegetable wastes as cheap and economical cattle ration. Preponderance of indigenous

31

animals in the study area would minimise the impact of climate change as they are more

resilient to temperature change. The increased volume of milk through these animals would

also help in reducing pressure from the states where crossbred cows are in majority and

may face an adverse impact of climate change.

To achieve the above growth, it is believed that the quantum jump in milk production is

possible through increase in productivity, and linking small holders to dairy

cooperatives/producer groups/SHGs with forward linkages with milk processing. This means

that the areas which have low levels of productivity, preponderance of low yielding non-

descript animals, but rich in resource endowment and presence of good markets would

require attention of the policy makers for initiating a focussed programme for West Bengal

state. A comprehensive assessment of the present status of dairy development in this state

and potential for growth from the perspective of regional and national consideration needs

to be drawn up for dairy development.

Therefore, the present study was undertaken with the following objectives in the state of

West Bengal. It is an important milk producing state in eastern part of India. The state has a

very few well established cooperative dairy sector, but the growth in dairy is not uniform in

all regions of the state.

1.11 Objectives of the study

a) To assess the present status of dairying with reference to animal distribution, milk

production, consumption and marketable surplus.

b) To identify the constraints in dairy development from supply side, institutional

deficiency and processing infrastructure.

c) To identify different central and state government schemes related to dairy

development at district level and document technical as well as operational details of

the schemes and understand how convergence is ensured.

d) To highlight the facilitating factors that could help promoting dairy development to

improve socio economic status of the milk producers.

e) To suggest broad areas for focussed interventions for promoting dairy development in

the selected state and the way forward.

f) To suggest suitable policy measures to ensure compliance of effective convergence of

various schemes for the benefits of dairy farmers.

32

1.12 Data and Methodology

The study is based on both, the secondary and primary level data. The secondary data

pertain to dairy development efforts, various schemes implemented and in force, changes in

size and composition of livestock population and milch animals as well as milk production

across regions, per capita milk availability, infrastructure available, related data were

compiled from the offices of the NDDB and State Department of Animal Husbandry &

Dairying as well as from the government publications such as Livestock Census (Department

of Animal Husbandry), Statistical Abstract of the State, Economic Surveys and related web

sites. Besides tabular analysis, annual compound growth rates were calculated to indicate

an increase or decrease in livestock populations and other related parameters during inter

census periods / years. For the study, primary data were collected from the selected Milk

producers, Primary Dairy Cooperative Societies and Milk Unions through structured and pre-

tested schedules / questionnaires.

Sampling Framework

The primary data were collected from the sample farmers selected on the basis of the

sampling design described below and as presented in Tables 1.22 to 1.24.

I) Selection of Milk Union/District Milk Union/District (MU/DU/D):

• Four districts, where district milk union is in operation, have been selected for this

study from three agro-climatic regions of West Bengal as per advice from the officials of

NDDB, Kolkata. The districts have been selected because dairy development schemes

are functional in these districts which will help in obtaining data from the study area.

The districts were selected primarily on the basis of quantity of cattle milk production,

performance of district milk union and other development aspects (Map 1.2, Tables

1.22 &1.25).

• It was attempted that the four milk unions / district milk unions / districts were selected

from different regions / zones in order to capture holistic macro picture at the state

level.

• Accordingly, selected 4 districts / milk unions from 3 respective agro-climatic regions

are as follows:

i) North 24 Parganas district from New Alluvial Region,

33

ii) Nadia district from New Alluvial Region,

iii) Bankura district from Red & Laterite Region, and

iv) South 24 Parganas district from Coastal & Saline Region.

For an optimum assessment of the status of dairying in West Bengal, these regions as well as

districts have been selected on the basis of performance of District Milk Union (DMU) ranging

from highly developed to poorly develop. (Table 1.22)

II) Selection of Villages:

• From each milk union / district milk union / district, four villages were selected.

i) Two villages nearer to the MU/DU/District place: One village having dairy

cooperative and one village without dairy cooperative- both located nearby.

ii) Two villages about 25-50 kms away from the MU/DU/District place: One village

having dairy cooperative and one village without dairy cooperative- both located

nearby.

• Thus, total numbers of selected villages in the State were 16 villages.

III) Selection of Milk Producers:

• From each selected village, 15 milk producers (5 from each category) were selected

randomly. Thus, total sample size of milk producers in the State was 240 (15x16).

Table 1.22: Selected Three Agro-Climatic Regions of West Bengal

Regions Districts Features

New Alluvial

Region

North 24 Parganas,

Nadia, Malda,

Murshidabad,

Burdwan

Mostly progressive farmers; deep, alluvial soils are

overexploited due to suitableness of crop

enterprise; ground water, river and canal water

are the main source of irrigation; besides farming,

highly developed dairying and strong dairy

cooperatives exist in this region.

Red &

Laterite

Region

Bankura, Paschim

Medinipur, Purulia,

Birbhum

Mostly arid to semi-arid climate; hard lateritic soil

have poor storability; rain water is the main

source of irrigation; agriculture dependent

mostly on monsoon; moderate dairying and dairy

cooperatives exist in this region.

Coastal &

SalineRegion

South 24 Parganas,

Purba Medinipur,

Howrah, kolkata

Low level of economic enterprise; semi-arid to

humid climate; mostly saline soil; large areas

under rainfed farming systems; poor dairying and

dairy cooperatives exist in this region. Source: District Statistical Hand Book, GoWB, 2014.

34

Table 1.23 Sampling Frameworks

DMU/DU DMU1/DU1 DMU2/DU2 DMU3/DU3 DMU4/DU4

Rank High High Moderate Poor/Low

Taluka/

Block T1 / B1 T2 / B2 T1 / B1 T2 / B2 T1 / B1 T2 / B2 T1 / B1 T2 / B2

Villages V1 V2 V3 V4 V5 V6 V7 V8 V9 V10 V11 V12 V13 V14 V15 V16

Location

clo

se

clo

se

aw

ay

aw

ay

clo

se

clo

se

aw

ay

aw

ay

clo

se

clo

se

aw

ay

aw

ay

clo

se

clo

se

aw

ay

aw

ay

DC/NDC DC NDC DC NDC DC NDC DC NDC DC NDC DC NDC DC NDC DC NDC

Small 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

Medium 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

Large 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

Total

sample

15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15

30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30

60 60 60 60

PDCS 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

TOTAL DMU-04; Village-16; Milk Producers-240; PDCS-08

Note: DMU- District Milk Union; DU- District Union; DC- Dairy Cooperative Village; NDC- Non-Dairy Cooperative

Village; PDCS- Primary Dairy Cooperative Society;

Table 1.24: Total numbers of selected DCS and NDCS Milk Producers in West Bengal state

Districts/

Milk Unions

DCS NDCS

Small Medium Large Total Small Medium Large Total

Ichhamati MU 10 10 10 30 10 10 10 30

Kishan MU 10 10 10 30 10 10 10 30

Kangsabati MU 10 10 10 30 10 10 10 30

Sundarban MU 10 10 10 30 10 10 10 30

West Bengal 40 40 40 120 40 40 40 120

Note: DCS- District Cooperative Society; NDCS- Non-District Cooperative Society

• The milk producers were categorized as follows as per holding of number of cattle

population and random selection method for selecting milk producers was followed from

total milk producers list (without village census):

i) Small Milk Producers (1-2 Milch animal),

ii) Medium Milk Producers (3-5 Milch animal) and

iii) Large Milk Producers (above 5 Milch animal)

35

Table 1.25: Selected villages / talukas / districts / Milk unions in West Bengal state

Sr.

No.

Region/

Region

Name

District Milk

Union

Selected

district

Selected

Taluka

Selected

villages

(DCS)

Selected

villages

(NDCS)

1. South Sundarban District

Cooperative Milk

Producers' Union

Ltd., Alipur*

South 24

Parganas

Basanti Nafarganj

Ranigarh

Basanti Garanbose

Bharatgarh

2. East Ichhamati District

Cooperative Milk

Producers' Union

Ltd., Barasat

North 24

Parganas

Bongaon Nutangram

Ambarpur

Bagdah Malipota

Srinathpur

3. West Kangsabati

District

Cooperative Milk

Producers' Union

Limited, Bankura

Bankura Taldangra Banshkopa

Masatkhal

Simlapal Kushtora

Bankata

4. North-

East

Kishan District

Cooperative Milk

Producers' Union

Ltd, Krishnagar

Nadia Nakashipara Bholadanga

Dahakula

Karimpur Gouas Baliakandi

*Sundarban MU has been functioning for last one year in the district. But selection of South Twenty four

Parganas was strongly suggested by NDDB, Kolkata. Basanti is the nearest block (which is more than 60

kms. away from DHQ) where Milk co-operatives are functioning in some of the villages. Hence, we had to

stick to selection of one CD Block in this district (two villages in close proximity and two far away).

• Data on parameters related cost of milk production were collected from 03 milk

producers from each village (one each from three categories), thus total 48 (3x16) milk

producers.

Data collection from District Milk Union & PDCS:

• Officials of every District Milk Union (DMU) and Primary Dairy Cooperative Society (PDCS)

were interviewed and data were collected with a structured schedule.

Survey Schedules:

The different survey schedules for the collection of data have been developed. Four types of

survey schedules were canvassed in the study area.

• Household Survey Schedule 1.0: To collect the information from the selected milk

producers (covering both those are members of PDCS and non members of such any

cooperative society) on structured interview schedules on some selected parameters

such as: socio-economic characteristics, cropping pattern of sample household, herd

strength & cattle shed, details of breed-able animals on survey date, milk

36

production, use and sale, season wise milk yield (per day), availability of water for

dairy, labour use pattern in dairy/ involvement of rural men and women in dairy

activities, feed and fodder per animal at the time of survey (kg/animal/day),

veterinary and breeding expenditure during last one year, awareness about the

various schemes, service delivery, constraints faced in dairy and suggestion/s for

improvement in adoption of dairy schemes, various aspects of rearing of animals and

feeding pattern constraints, perception, awareness about RBP, etc. from the sample

milk producer.

Map 1.2: Six Agro-Climatic Regions of West Bengal

37

Map 1.3: Selected Agro-Climatic Regions of West Bengal

• Household Schedule-Cost of Milk Production 2.0: In order to estimate the cost of

milk production, this schedule was canvassed among the few selected milk producer

households in addition to the information collected in Schedule 1.0.

38

• Primary Dairy Cooperative Society (PDCS) Schedule 3.0: The desired information

from the respondent society/unit/agent was collected in this schedule on selected

aspects such as : total number of members enrolled, availability of some facilities,

month-wise milk collection and rate paid, concentrates supplied by the society/firm

during last one year, veterinary and breeding services provided by society/firm

during last one year, any outbreak of disease of livestock during the past one year,

training arranged/provided by society during last one year, details of development

programmes/support, effect of programmes on key variables, general opinion,

perception, constraints and suggestions regarding particular program, constraints

faced by PDCS/ private firm.

• Milk Union Schedule 4.0: This schedule was designed to collected the information

from milk unions on related parameters such as: districts, villages and PDCS covered,

details on milk collection/procurement, different programs/ schemes, year wise

average cost of processing of milk (Rs/litre) dairy plant, production and marketing of

different product, constraints faced, potential for future and suggestions.

1.13 Limitation of the Study

Though considerable precautions and thoughts have been exercised to make the study

precise, objective and reliable, yet because of limited resources at the disposal, the study

has been restricted to specific areas and could not be extended to larger areas and more

respondents. Individual’s biases and prejudices on the part of the respondents might have

influenced the findings of the study because the field level investigation was based on

individual’s perception and expressed opinion. However, due care was taken to check such

biases, which was not apparent, through inter-checks of different elements of the data.

However, due to its demonstration of the various issues and aspects of the problem, the

study might have much wider application and this could be extended to other similar areas.

Besides, period of survey was also a limitation of this study. The previous years’ data about

dairy farming had been collected in maximum cases. So, collected data about dairy farming

is supposed to reflect the assumption in reply to some questions. In fact, previous years’

information about dairy farming had been collected from the respondents within few hours

of a day. However, the most important limitation of this study is that published information

for Animal Husbandry and Dairying in West Bengal state is too scanty than the requirement

39

of the study. This restricted us to analyse few important dimension of the study, as

compared to other states, which requires comparable and continuous time-series data on

several variables related to dairying and animal husbandry in West Bengal.

1.14 Organization of Report

The entire study report has been organized into eight chapters including Introduction as

Chapter 1. The Status of Dairy Development Institutions in West Bengal based on available

literature published by Government sector has been included in Chapter 2. Policies and

Programmes / Schemes for Dairy Development & Convergence of Schemes have been

described in Chapter 3. Chapter 4 has been furnished with Socio-Economic Profile of

Selected Milk Unions, PDCS / Private Units and Milk Producers. The identity of the 5th

Chapter is presentation of the Cost of Milk Production and Awareness about the Schemes.

The 6th

Chapter has been highlighted the Milk Consumption and Marketable Surplus. The

Constraints faced in Production and Marketing of Milk and Suggestions are the feature of 7th

Chapter. The last and 8th

Chapter has been characterized by Summary and

Recommendations based on findings of this study.

The next chapter presents the “Status of Dairy Development Institutions in West Bengal”.

40

Chapter II

Status of Dairy Development Institutions in West Bengal

2.1 Introduction

Dairying is an important and integral part of the rural economy of West Bengal. Milk

production in the state was estimated at 13,804 tonne kg per day (TKgpd) (5.04 Million MT)

in 2015-16 which is about 3.2 per cent of total milk production of the country (NDDB, 2017).

Milk production in the state has grown at a CAGR of 2.42 per cent during the last 5 years

(NDDB, 2017). Paschim Medinipur is the highest milk producing district in the state followed

by Bardhaman. It is evident that almost half of the total milk production of West Bengal is

concentrated in six districts, namely, Paschim Medinipur, Bardhaman, Murshidabad,

Bankura, Nadia and Hooghly. Out of the total annual milk production of about 5.04 million

tonnes in West Bengal during 2015-16, bulk of the production is destined for home

consumption only (35%) (NDDB, 2017). The organised sector for milk production in West

Bengal is still in the nascent stage and major portion of the marketed surplus is consumed

by the unorganised sector consisting mainly of numerous sweets and sweetmeat shops

situated all around Bengal. However constant efforts were initiated both from central and

state governments since independence to channelize the flow of milk to organized sector

through establishments of milk co-operatives, milk unions and institutional efforts to ensure

remunerative dairy business to the producers.

2.2 Dairy Development Institutions

Table 2.1: Institutions Responsible for Dairy Development and their responsibilities

Name of the Institutions Responsibility

Directorate of Dairy Development Milk Processing & Supply at Greater

Kolkata & other areas

West Bengal Cooperative Milk

Producers’ Federation Ltd. (WBCMPF) Milk Marketing

Mother Dairy, Calcutta Milk Processing & Supply at Greater

Kolkata & other areas

41

2.2.1 Dairy Development Boards/ Corporations/Cooperative Federations:

A. Directorate of Dairy Development:

Directorate of Dairy Development, Government of West Bengal is engaged in the

processing of raw milk to produce pasteurised and homogenised market milk and various

milk products, and sells them through its own network of Milk booths, Suravis, Agents and

Distributors in safe and wholesome condition. With the implementation of Operation

Flood Programme in the mid-1970s, the extension, procurement and other farmer

related activities on Dairy Development have been handed over to the Co-operative

sector, i,e; West Bengal Co-operative Milk Producers’ Federation Limited.

Under this Directorate, the oldest dairy at Haringhata was established in June, 1950

primarily to cater to the demands of local hospitals, government institutions and

common people of Kanchrapara and Kalyani cities. Subsequently four more dairies were

established viz.,

(1) Central Dairy, Belgachia, Kolkata in 1962 - for supply of milk in Greater Kolkata

region,

(2) State Dairy, Durgapur in 1972 - for supply of milk in Durgapur and Asansol areas.

(3) State Dairy, Burdwan in 1982 - for supply of milk in Burdwan

(4) State Dairy, Krishnagar in 1987 - for supply of milk in Krishnagar region.

To feed raw chilled milk to these dairy plants, different chilling plants were established.

However, subsequently considering the reduced demand of raw milk by the government

dairies, it was felt necessary to hand over the chilling plants to the West Bengal Co-

operative Milk Producers’ Federation Limited for their effective use. Accordingly, except

three chilling plants, all ten chilling plants have been handed over to the Milk

Federation/Milk Unions on management and utilisation of assets basis. The State Dairy

at Burdwan was non-operational since 20th May, 2004. Now, it has been handed over to

Mother Dairy, Calcutta on “Management of asset basis” for its utilisation for processing

and packaging of market milk. The production and distribution of milk at the State Dairy,

Durgapur is kept suspended since May 2012 due to administrative unavoidable reasons

(ARD, Govt. of WB, 2014).

42

Different varieties of milk and milk products manufactured and marketed by the

Directorate of Dairy Development, Govt. of West Bengal are being sold under the brand

name “HARINGHATA”.

The central dairy is having the grater installed capacity as compared to other dairies of

the state (Table 2.2). However it is of a major concern that the effective capacity

utilization in all the dairies are much lower than the installed capacity (Table 2.2) which

depicts the decreasing demand of the organized sector in the state.

Table 2.2: Physical Capacities and Capacity Utilization in different dairies

Name of the Dairy Year of

Establishment

Installed

Capacity

(TL

PD)

Capacity Utilized (TLPD)

Central Dairy 09/1962 200 37.90 (18.95%)

Haringhata Dairy 06/1950 50 1.70 (3.4%)

Krishnagar Dairy 01/1987 20 Handed over to Milk Fedn. /

Kishan Milk Union on 05/06/06

Durgapur Dairy 10/1972 50 Non-operational since May 2012

Burdwan Dairy 11/1982 20 Handed over to Mother Dairy,

Calcutta on “Management of

Asset basis” on May 2013.

Source: Animal resource development department, Government of West Bengal

Several bulk chilling plants were established all across the states for immediate

processing of the raw milk and increase its self-life. Most of the chilling plants has been

handed over to the milk federations for operational purposes (Table 2.3).

Bulk of the raw milk procurement is still undertaken mainly through central dairy

situated in Kolkata to cater the entire urban population of the city. However the

proportion of utilisation of value added dairy products like butter is in negligible amount

(Table 2.4).

43

Table 2.3: Status of Chilling Plants of Directorate of Dairy Development

Name of the

Dairy

Chilling Plant Capacity

(TLPD)

Year of

Establishment

Remarks

Central Dairy 1. Champadanga 4 1965 Handed over to Milk

Fedn. (14.02.06)

Haringhata

Dairy

2. Dhaniakhali 5 1965 Handed over to Milk

Fedn.

3. Mogra 4 1965 Closed

4. Habra 4 1960 Handed over to Milk

Fedn.

Krishnagar

Dairy (Handed

over to Milk

Fedn.)

5. Bethuadahri 10 1964 Handed over to Milk

Fedn. (05.10.05)

6. Plassey 4 1965 Handed over to Milk

Fedn. (05.10.05)

7. Fulia 10 1954 Handed over to Milk

Fedn. (05.10.05)

Durgapur Dairy 8. Sonamukhi 4 1973 Handed over to Milk

Fedn. (03.11.06)

9. Bishnupur 4 1972 Handed over to Milk

Fedn. (22.04.08)

10. Baramullah 2 1993 Yet to be handed over

Burdwan Dairy

(Non-functional

since 20.05.04)

11. Shaktigarh 2 1967 Yet to be handed over

12. Katwa 4 1972 Handed over to Milk

Fedn. (21.02.06)

13. Kusumgram 4 1987 Handed over to Milk

Fedn. (06.10.05)

Source: Animal resource development department, Government of West Bengal

In tune with the milk procurement, it is evident that the central dairy is mainly

responsible for milk production only and the other (i.e. Haringhata Dairy) is attempting

to produce value added dairy products (Table 2.5). However considering the changing

demand pattern of the urban consumers to the value added and functional dairy

products, attempts may be initiated to divert the production more towards value added

products rather traditional and bulky milk products.

44

Table 2.4: Dairy-wise Utilization of Raw Materials and Production of Milk & Milk

Products

Sl.

No.

Name of the

Dairy

Raw Milk

Procurement and

Consumption

(TKPD)

Skimmed

MilkPowderConsumption

(MT/ day)

White Butter

Consumption

(MT/day)

1 Central Dairy 11.37 2.01 0.24

2 Haringhata Dairy 1.50 0.03 0.00

Total 12.87 2.04 0.24

Source: Animal resource development department, Government of West Bengal

Table 2.5: Production of Milk and Milk Products Sl.

No.

Name of the Dairy Milk

Production

(TLPD)

Ghee

(MT/Y)

Chocolate

(MT/Y)

Lassi

(MT/Y)

1 Central Dairy 28.71 Nil Nil Nil

2 Haringhata Dairy 1.56 13.07 0.40 Nil

Total 30.27 13.07 0.40 Nil

Source: Animal resource development department, Government of West Bengal

The fund utilization pattern of the different milk supplying institutions depicts

that major portion of the allotment was not utilized (Table 2.6). Further only non-plan

budget was utilised and plan budget was completely un-utilized in all the milk supply

except greater Kolkata (Table 3.6). Planned expenditure will be essential for long run

sustainability of the supplies with greater efficiency and reasons of only non-planned

expenditure may be critically looked into for possible modification in the future budget

allocations.

Table 2.6: Schemes of the Directorate of Dairy Development (2012 - 2013) Scheme Source Allotment

(Rs.)

Fund Utilized

(Rs.) (Total

Expenditure)

Percentage

Utilization

Of Funds

Sales

Proceeds of

Milk & Milk

Products (Rs.)

Greater

Kolkata Milk

Supply

State Plan 21,46,194 8,32,678 38.80 -

Non-Plan 119,52,18,500 69,90,06,028 58.48 24,43,91,259

Durgapur Milk

Supply

State Plan Nil Nil Nil

Nil

Non-Plan 7,99,76,500 3,25,95,410 40.76

Burdwan Milk

Supply

State Plan NIL Nil Nil

Non-Plan 2,51,14,000 1,70,06,734 67.72

Krishnagar

Milk supply

State Plan NIL Nil Nil

Non-Plan 47,33,250 31,81,900 67.22

Source: Animal resource development department, Government of West Bengal

45

Major Activities Undertaken

• Revision of Procurement Price of Raw Milk: The procurement price of raw milk in

flush (3 months) and lean season (9 months) with effect from 1st

April 2014 are

Rs.22.60 and Rs.23.60 respectively per Kg of milk containing 4.5% Fat and 8.5%

Solids-not-Fat. Farmer-Producers, however, get Rs.20.00 and Rs.21.00 respectively

as their share of price.

• State Dairy, Burdwan, which was closed since May, 2004 was handed over to

Mother Dairy, Calcutta in compliance with the Cabinet decision for its operation

on “Management of Assets” basis. The renovation works with a project cost of Rs.

5.74 crores, out of RKVY Fund, has been completed and its operation resumed

since February 2014. At present 2000 litres of processed and packaged milk are

being supplied from the dairy under “Mother Dairy” brand.

• The State-of-the-art newly built Quality Control Laboratory at Central Dairy was

inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of West Bengal on 18th Nov. 2013.

• Notifications appointing the officers from this Directorate as Designated Officer and

Food Safety Officers under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and Rules and

Regulations framed thereunder has been withdrawn by the Deptt. of Health and

Family Welfare, Govt. of West Bengal.

Thrust Areas:

(a) Renovation and Modernization of Haringhata Dairy at Mohanpur, Nadia under

RIDF - XVIII is going on in full swing. Approx. 10% of the work has been completed

till March 2014.

(b) Renovation and Modernization of milk processing and packaging facilities at

central dairy aligning well with the requirements of FSSAI requirements.

(c) Renovation and Modernization of Govt. Milk Depots by Franchisee in a P-P-P

model by dovetailing the sales of Directorate of Dairy

Development, WB Livestock Development Corporation Ltd. and Mother

Dairy, Calcutta through modern day kiosks by modernising the Govt.

Milk depots through franchisee has been initiated and 7 (seven) such

46

depots, located at prime areas in Kolkata, have already been converted

and are in operation. Several other depots will be modernized in the same

manner.

(d) ‘Khatal’ Removal and beautification of Kolkata: A total of 40 cattle, stray and from

Khatals, have been seized and removed from Kolkata Municipal Corporation area.

(e) Develop alternative sources of raw milk from private producer-suppliers of our

state to meet up the raw milk demand of the Govt. Dairies.

(f) Disposal of Condemned vehicles and unserviceable Plant machineries: Steps have

been initiated to dispose of the condemned vehicles (especially milk vans) of

this Directorate and also the unserviceable and obsolete plant and machineries

(Animal resource development department, Government of West Bengal, 2014).

B. West Bengal Co-Operative Milk Producers’ Federation Ltd.

West Bengal Co-operative Milk Producers’ Federation Ltd. (Federation) was

formed as an apex body of milk cooperatives in West Bengal for developing the dairy

industry. It was registered in 1983.

The mandate of the Federation is to achieve the following objectives:

Objectives:

• To provide assured and remunerative market for the milk produced by the

farmer members.

• To provide quality milk to urban consumers.

• To build village level institutions in cooperative sector to manage the dairy

activities.

• To ensure provision of milk production inputs, processing facilities and

dissemination of know how.

• To facilitate rural development by providing for self-employment at village

level thereby, preventing migration to urban areas and opportunity for steady

income.

47

The philosophy of the Federation is to organize institutions to be owned and managed

by the milk producers themselves to achieve economies of scale to ensure maximum

returns and at the same time to provide quality milk at reasonable price to urban

consumers (Animal resource development department, Government of West Bengal,

2014).

Ultimately, the network of cooperative organizations should build a bridge between

masses of rural producers and millions of urban consumers and achieve a socio-

economic transformation in the state.

Present Status

Presently, 4120 primary milk producers’ cooperative societies in the village level collect

milk from its producer members and make regular payment. In addition, the district Milk

Unions, provide various services, like veterinary cover, artificial insemination, fodder etc.

to its producer members. These societies within a milk shed, normally co-terminus with

the districts, affiliate themselves into District Milk Unions, which collect the milk

procured by the Primary Milk Producer’s Cooperative Societies from their doorstep,

processes and markets the milk in the district or outside. The Milk Unions facilitate

various inputs to the primary societies for onward transmission to producer members.

The District Milk unions, in turn, affiliate themselves into the West Bengal Milk

Federation, whose role is to guide and monitor the Milk Unions in all its activities and for

development and implementation of the various Government schemes.

The Federation has 93% of its share held by the State Government, providing share

contribution of Rs.383.49 lakh and Rs.29.38 lakh from Milk Unions totalling Rs.412.87

lakh. It has a Board of Directors with Chairpersons of the Milk Unions and Govt.

nominee. Presently post of the Chairman is held by the State Govt. nominee.

Present infrastructure of the federation:

i. 6.00 lakhs LPD Mother Dairy Plant (of the State Government) managed by the

Federation at Dankuni, Hooghly.

ii. 1.00 lakh LPD Dairy Plant of Himul Milk Union at Matigara, Darjeeling.

iii. 1.50 lakh LPD Dairy Plant of Bhagirathi Milk Union at Berhampore,

48

Murshidabad.

iv. 4.00 lakh LPD Metro Dairy (Joint Venture in which the Federation holds

47% equity) at Barasat, North 24 - Parganas.

v. Two 100 MT / Day Cattle Feed Plants of Himul (at Matigara) and of Bhagirathi

(at Berhampore).

vi. 146 Chilling Units having Chilling Capacity of 2.49 lakh litres per day.

vii. Four Dairy Plants having capacity of 4000 LPD (expandable to 10000 LPD)

each at (i) Bolpur, Dist. Birbhum (ii) Raigunj, Dist. Uttar Dinajpur (iii) Belguma,

Dist. Purulia & (iv) Raipur, Dist. Bankura.

viii. 10000 LPD Dairy at Cooch Behar handed over to Cooch Behar Zilla

Parishad.

ix. 20000 LPD State Dairy Krishnagar handed over by the State Govt. to the

Federation and run by the Kishan Milk Union.

x. Benmilk Training Centre (BTC) at Berhampore, Murshidabad.

xi. Kishan Bhaban (Farmer’s Hostel) at Belgachia, Kolkata.

During the year 2013 - 2014 on average 285.40 TKgPD milk was procured from various

District Milk Unions covering 1637 functional societies and 2.75 lakh farmer members.

Major portion of the procured milk was supplied to different urban dairies namely

Mother, Metro and Central Dairies, which marketed in and around Kolkata both

processed milk and milk products.

The federation is continuously procuring raw milk from the dairy producers both in flush

as well as lean seasons. The minimum price for farmers increased marginally since 2012

in tune with the increasing market price of raw milk but the producer’s share have

decreased from 2012. But overall the producers’ share was sufficiently high as compared

to other mode of disposal (Table 2.7).

49

Table 2.7: Procurement Price of Raw Milk per kg (4.5% Fat / 8.5% SNF)

With effect from 01.12.2012 Producers’ share

Flush season 19.80 Minimum Farmer’s Price 18.00 91.00%

Lean season 20.85 Minimum Farmer’s Price 19.00 91.00%

With effect from 01.04.2014 Producers’ share

Flush season 22.60 Minimum Farmer’s Price 20.00 88.50%

Lean season 23.60 Minimum Farmer’s Price 21.00 89.00%

Source: Animal resource development department, Government of West Bengal

The state is having around fifteen milk unions from the districts from which two unions is

currently not functioning (Table 2.8). The highest milk is procured from Bhagirathi milk

union in Murshidabad (146 lakh Kgs per annum) followed by Kisan milk union in Nadia

district (144 lakh Kgs. Per annum). However in respect of percentage of total milk

procured the non-MPCS tops the chart as almost 26% of the total milk procured is

destined to the non-MPCS (Fig 2.1). The procurement in few unions is miserably low (e.g.,

Burdwan, Bankura, North Dinajpur, Howrah etc.) comparing to the other performing

unions (Table 2.8). Efforts should be initiated to improve the supply of milk to organised

sectors through these milk unions for better price realisation as well as overall wellbeing

of the milk producers in those areas.

50

Table 2.8: Daily average Milk Procurement from DCS / WDCS of the Milk Unions during

the year 2013 - 14 (Fig. in TKgPD)

NAME OF THE MILK UNION/ UNIT Daily Average Milk

Procurement (TKgPD)

Annual Milk

Procurement (Lakh Kg)

HIMUL (Darjeeling)

BHAGIRATHI (Murshidabad)

KISHAN (Nadia)

MIDNAPORE (Medinipur)

BARDHAMAN (Burdwan)

DAMODAR (Hooghly)

ICHHAMATI (North 24-Parganas)

HOWRAH (Howrah)

JALPAIGURI (Jalpaiguri)

COOCHBEHAR (Coochbehar)

KULICK (Uttar Dinajpur)

MAYURAKSHI (Birbhum)

SUNDARBAN (South 24-Parganas)

KANGSABATI (Bankura)

MANBHUM (Purulia)

FEDERATION

DAIRPOUL

NON MPCS

T O T A L

10.50

40.10

39.52

30.10

3.15

16.98

14.51

3.97

Presently Defunct

Presently Defunct

2.12

2.30

0.78

8.83

0.45

33.00

5.00

74.10

285.40

38.325

146.365

144.248

109.865

11.498

61.977

52.961

14.490

Presently Defunct

Presently Defunct

7.738

8.395

2.487

32.230

1.642

120.450

18.250

270.465

1041.710

Source: Animal resource development department, Government of West Bengal

Fig 2.1: Daily Average Milk Procurement and Percent procured by different Milk Unions

Source: Animal resource development department, Government of West Bengal

10.5

40.1 39.52

30.1

3.15

16.98 14.51

3.97 0 0 2.12 2.3 0.78

8.83 0.45

33

5

74.1

3.68

14.05 13.85

10.55

1.10

5.95 5.08

1.39 0.00 0.00 0.74 0.81 0.27

3.09 0.16

11.56

1.75

25.96

0.00

5.00

10.00

15.00

20.00

25.00

30.00

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

Pe

rce

nt

Pro

cure

d

Da

ily

mil

k P

rocu

rem

en

t

Name of the Milk unions

Daily Avg Milk Procurement Percentage Procured

51

Other initiatives towards Dairy Development

The Federation has implemented the Women Dairy Co-operative Project (WDCP) funded

by the Ministry of HRD, Govt., of India and thereby empowering the Women

economically and socially.

599 Women Dairy Co-operative Societies have been organized with 57837 women

members pouring on an average 37856 kgs. of milk per day. The WDCP was put into

operation in April, 1993 and Rs.13.40 crores was received from Govt. of India for

implementing the project in the districts;-

Phase - I 24 Parganas (North), Murshidabad, Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri & Bardhaman

Phase - II Bankura, Coochbehar, Midnapore, & Hooghly

Phase - III 24 Parganas (North), Bardhaman & Murshidabad

Phase - IV Midnapore, Coochbrhar, Darjeeling & Murshidabad

Phase - V 24 Parganas (North), Dakshin Dinajpur, Murshidabad & Hooghly

Phase - VI Midnapore, Darjeeling, Malda & Bardhaman

Funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India the Federation is also

implementing Integrated Dairy Development Project (IDDP) in the hilly, Non-OF and

backward areas of West Bengal.

650 Primary Societies have been organized with 36564 members procuring 11493 kgs. of

milk per day. The IDDP has been operating from April 1995 and Rs.12.77 crores

received from Govt. of India, Rs.10.96 crores has been utilized for implementing the

project in the following districts:-

Phase - I Birbhum, Jalpaiguri, 24 Parganas (South) & Uttar Dinajpur

Phase - II Purulia

Phase - III Howrah

Phase - IV 24 Parganas (North), Purulia, Birbhum, Bankura & Dakshin Dinajpur

Bhagirathi and Ichhamati Milk Union are included under Clean Milk Production (CMP)

Project of TIFAC. The total project cost is Rs.224 Lakh, out of which TIFAC authority

will provide Rs.100 lakh and the balance by State Govt. Expenditure to the extent of

52

Rs.186.99 lakh has so far been made.

Since 2008-09 CMP under Phase - I with the assistance from Govt. of India is being

implemented in the milk unions viz. Himul, Midnapore, Bardhaman, Kulick, Kangsabati

and Mayurakshi. Fund to the tune of Rs. 281.68 lakh having been received from the

Govt. of India was fully utilized for setting-up of Bulk Milk Coolers, MilkTesting

Equipments, and Training etc. Since 2011-12 CMP under Phase - II is being implemented

in the Milk Unions viz. Ichhamati, Howrah and Kishan at a cost of Rs. 172.48 lakh. Rs.

100.44 lakh was received by the Federation out of which Rs.100.61 lakh has been

utilised.

Projects Undertaken by the Federation

Table 2.9:A brief account of different projects during 2013 -14 (in Rs. Lakh)

Name of

Scheme

Financial

Achievement in

2013-14

Physical Performance in 2013-14

Clean Milk

Production

(CMP-II)

Centrally

Sponsored

Scheme

Fund Received

Rs. 49.22 lakh

(14.01.13)

Spent Rs.37.68 Lakh

during the year 13-

14& during the year

12-13 Rs. 11.54 Lakh

1. Installation of BMCU (500 LPD): 7 nos. in three

Districts [Howrah (Udaynarayanpur)-1 no./North

24 Pgns (Bagdah & Gaighata)-4 nos./

Nadia((Karimpur)-2 nos.]

Beneficiaries- 7 Milk Coop Societies under 3

District Milk Unions.

2. Distribution of 2000 SS Milk pails (5 Ltr.) to milk

farmers under 3 Dist Milk Unions

(Howrah/Kishan/Ichamati).

Beneficiaries- 2000 milk Coop Farmers.

3. Distribution of 3850 sets Hygiene & Detergent Kit to

milk farmers under 3 District Milk Unions.

Beneficiaries- 3850 milk farmers.

4. Training of milk farmers on Clean Milk

Production- 3000 nos. (Howrah (Howrah)-500/

Ichamati (N.24Pgns)-1500/ Kishan (Nadia)- 1000

Beneficiaries- 3000 milk Coop Farmers.

Intensive

Dairy

Development

Project-IV

(IDDP-

IV)Fund Recd.

Rs. 365.86

Lakh

(Oct’12)

Centrally

Sponsored

Scheme

Spent Rs. 93.26

Lakh during the

year 13-14

& during the year

12-13

Rs.111.034 Lakh

1. Installation of IBT (1 no.), Milk Condensing Unit

(1 no.), Boiler (1 no.), Walk-in-Cold Store (1 no.)

and ETP(1 no.) at Berachampa CP in North 24

Pgns Distt under Ichamati Milk Union.

Beneficiaries- Ichamati Milk Union (1600 farmers)

2. Supply of Milk can, Fodder seed, Cattle Feed,milk

testing equipment, vaccine & dewormer, milk

testing equipment, with training of farmers tothemilk

farmers under IDDP-IV in 2 Distt MilkUnion.

Beneficiaries-1600 farmers of 2 Milk Unions

(Ichamati/ Manbhum).

53

National

Mission for

Protein

Suppliment

(Under

RKVY)

Fund Recd

Rs. 277.0

Lakh

(Apr’13)

Centrally

Sponsored

Scheme

Spent Rs. 277.00

Lakh during the

year 13-14

1. Distribution of 17,000 SS milk pails (5 Ltr) to the

milk farmers in the Districts (Bardhaman/

Bankura/Purulia/Paschim Midnapore/ Howrah/

Nadia/N.24 Pgns./Murshidabad/U.Dinajpur/

Darjeeling)

Beneficiaries- 10 District Milk Union (17,000 milk

Farmers)

2. Distribution of 180 nos. AMCU (Automatic Milk

Collection Unit) in 7 Distt. Milk Unions (Nadia/

D.Dinajpur/Murshidabad/Bankura/ Birbhum/

Howrah/Paschim Midnapore)

Beneficiaries- 180 Milk Coop Societies under 7

Distt. Milk Union.

3. Installation of BMCUs (2000 LPD): 3 nos. in 2

Districts [Howrah (Shyampur)-1 no/ Bankura

(Kotulpur & Khatra)-2 nos.]

Beneficiaries- 2 Distt. Milk Union (Howrah &

Kangsabati).

State Plan

(13-14)

(Development

of Milk

Cooperatives

& Transport

subsidy on

Cattle Feed)

Fund Recd

Rs. 900.00

lakh in the

month (Sept’

13, Jan’ 14 &

Mar ’14)

Spent Rs. 546.73

Lakh during the

year 13-14

1. Reimbursement of Fund in terms of special

financial Assistance to meet up milk productioncost to

the milk producers under 10 Distt. MilkUnions

(Bhagirathi/Kishan/Midnapore

West/Damodar/Bardhaman/Ichamati/

Kangsabati/Kulick/Sundarban/Howrah).

Beneficiaries- 10 Distt. Milk Unions (70,000 milk

farmers).

2. Transport subsidy on cattle feed distribution to theCoop

farmers under14 Distt. Milk Union

(Bhagirathi/ Kishan/ Midnapore West/Damodar/

Bardhaman/Ichamati/Kangsabati/Kulick/

Sundarban/Howrah/Manbhum/Tamralipta/May

urakshi/himul). Beneficiaries- 14 Distt. Milk Union

(80,000 milk farmers)

State Plan

(12-13)

(Dairy

Infrastructure

Development)

Fund Recd.

Rs. 300.00

Lakh

(Apr’ 13)

Spent Rs. 265.92

Lakh during the

year 13-14

1. Established & Started activity of Tamralipta Milk

Union, in Purba Midnapore.

2. Establishment of one new 2000 LPD BMCU centre

at Ramnagar, Purba Midnapore.

Beneficiaries- Tamralipta Milk Union(500 milk

farmers)

3. Construction of boundary wall at Belguma Dairy,

under Manbhum Milk Union.

Beneficiaries- Manbhum Milk Union (Purulia).

4. Establishment of 2 KL BMCU (2 nos.) at Indus &

Patrasayer under Kangsabati Milk Union.

Beneficiaries- Kangsabati Milk Union (2500 Milk

farmers under NDP-I)

State Plan

(13-14)

Fodder

Development

Spent Rs. 18.74

Lakh during the

year 13-14

Released the fund among eight potential Milk

Unions (Midnapore/Brahman/Damodar/ Ichamati/

Kishan/Howrah/Bhagirathi/Tamralipta) for

distribution of seeds, preparation of fodder plot,

54

Program)

Fund Recd

Rs. 18.74

Lakh(Mar’ 14

straw/cellulosic waste enrichment.

Beneficiaries- 8 Milk Union (3050 Milk Farmers)

National

Dairy Plan-I

(NDP

Spent Rs. 113.60

Lakh During the

year 13-14

1. Village based milk procurement system (VBMPS)

organized: 209 nos. in 4 Districts (Bankura/Nadia/

Murshidabad/North 24 Pgns.) under Kangsabati,

Kishan, Bhagirathi and Ichamati Milk Union

Beneficiaries- 4 Distt. Milk Unions (8360 milk

farmers)

2. Fodder Development in Murshidabad District

under Bhagirathi Milk Union within 62 nos. of

Societies organized under NDP-I.

Beneficiaries- Bhagirathi Milk Union(2480 milk

farmers)

Source: Animal resource development department, Government of West Bengal

The milk unions have received funds from NDDB under National dairy Plan-I starting from

2013 and within one year three milk unions were able to utilise most of the fund under

village based milk procurement scheme (utilization is more than 70% and highest of 92% in

Ichhamati milk union in North 24 Pargana) (Table 2.10). However there is still larger scope

of fund utilization from the scheme in the rest unions. The NDP from NDDB may act as a

true catalyst in reviving the milk unions in the state and increase the flow of raw milk to the

organized sectors in tune of the other dairy developed state like Gujrat.

Table 2.10: Details of National Dairy Plan-I (NDP-I) (2013-14) in different Milk Unions

(inRs. Lakh) Sr.

No

.

Name of EIA Sub

Project

PSC

approval

date

Total

Outlay

Fund

released

till

31.03.2014

Fund

Utilized

Percentage

Utilization

of released

fund

1 Bhagirathi Milk

Union

(Murshidabad)

FD 11.2.13 45.46 23.35 12.65 54.16

2 Bhagirathi Milk

Union

(Murshidabad)

VBMPS 11.2.13 196.02 16.43 11.57 70.41

3 Ichamati Milk

Union

(North 24-

Parganas)

VBMPS 24.5.13 106.74 25 23.05 92.19

4 Kangsabati Milk

Union

(Bankura)

VBMPS 24.5.13 273.03 49.6 41.34 83.33

5 Kishan Milk Union

(Nadia)

VBMPS 24.5.13 223.48 48 25 52.08

Total 844.73 162.38 113.60

FD- Fodder Development, VBMPS- Village Based Milk Procurement System

Source: Animal resource development department, Government of West Bengal

55

An insight into the profit and loss statement of different milk unions from 2007-08 to

2012-13 reveals that out of total 15 milk unions established in the state, 13.33% (2 in

nos.) were defunct and almost 60% of the total milk unions were more or less in

profitable situation during the period (Table 2.11). However 20% of the total established

unions, namely himul, kisan and manbhum were continuously running in loss during the

period (Table 2.11). Moreover, it is matter of concern that more unions were prone to

loss during the later period as compared to the earlier period. It may also be enunciated

from the figures that farmer producers are losing interest in supplying raw milk to the

unions and more milk is diverting to unorganised sectors (Table 2.11). A further study

into the mode of operations of these unions may help to get better insight of the

situation and improve the situation thereof.

Table 2.11: Profit & Loss Status of Milk Unions (in Rs. Lakh)

NAME OF M.U. 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

HIMUL (2.04) (5.76) (101.87) (244.60) (239.38)

BHAGIRATHI (117.11) (42.14) (4.57) 3.00 13.75 95.06

KISHAN (40.37) (3.57) (41.13) (29.67) (25.73) (25.63)

MIDNAPORE 1.30 0.47 7.85 3.04 1.78 1.24

BARDHAMAN 1.43 8.34 9.06 4.01 3.91 (6.64)

DAMODAR 18.23 38.99 23.35 16.81 (14.77) (70.81)

ICHHAMATI 17.08 17.99 18.62 20.00 7.34 (39.54)

HOWRAH 0.16 0.94 1.29 2.24 2.54 1.94

JALPAIGURI Presently Defunct

COOCHBEHAR Presently Defunct

KULICK 1.57 1.87 2.62 2.05 2.75

MAYURAKSHI 4.41 6.99 1.34 2.25 4.11

SUNDARBAN 3.93 0.74 0.82 0.58 3.89 0.33

KANGSABATI (9.41) (12.07) 0.08 54.49 40.00

MANBHUM 0.18 (17.57) (36.13) (14.09) (9.82) (2.98)

* Figures in the parenthesis denotes loss

Source: Animal resource development department, Government of West Bengal

56

Apart from managing the unions, the federation is also engaged in organizing ‘Dairy Co-

operative Societies’, ‘Women Dairy Co-operative societies’, establishment of artificial

insemination centre to uplift the genetic potential of the cattle in the state. A glimpse of

the physical achievements of the federation is enlisted in the following (Table 2.12).

Table 2.12: Physical Achievements of WBCMPF

PARTICULARS 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14

DCS/WDCS organized (cum) 3862 3899 3998 3086

DCS/WDCS registered (cum) 2050 2058 2138 1034

Farmer members (cum) 257652 259334 267124 274530

Avg. milk procurement (Kg. PD) 330500 307330 334080 285400

AI Sub Centres (cum) 669 663 610 612

AI done 367869 346563 330230 302318

Avg milk procured per farmer 1.28 1.18 1.25 1.04

W D C P :

WDCS organised (cum) 599 599 599 599

WDCS registered (cum) 426 426 426 426

Farmer Members (cum) 57591 57709 57709 57837

Avg. Milk procurement 39361 39100 33100 37856

I D D P :

DCS organised (cum) 441 551 650 650

DCS registered (cum) 295 297 305 331

Farmer Members (cum) 26287 31724 36564 36564

Avg. Milk procurement 9894 15204 19160 11493

Source: Animal resource development department, Government of West Bengal

57

Table 2.13 Infrastructure as on 31st March 2014 in Co-op Sector

District /

Milk

Union

Chilling Infrastructure Total

Chilling

Infrastructu

re

Dairy

Plant

Cattle

Feed

Plant

No.

of

AMC

U

Chilling

Plant

BMCU

Qty

(No)

Capac

ity

(TLP

D)

Qt

y

(N

o)

Capacit

y

(TLPD)

Qt

y

(No

)

Capacity

(TLPD)

Qt

y

(N

o)

Capacit

y

(TLPD)

Qt

y

(N

o)

Capacity

(MT/Day

)

Darjeeling /

HIMUL - - 21 21 21 21 1 100 1 100 40

Murshidabad

/ Fedn. 1 10 3 12 4 22 - - - - 15

Nadia /

Kishan - - 14 30 14 30 1 20 - - 47

Midnapore/

Midnapore - - 15 35 15 35 - - - - 80

Hooghly /

Damodar - - 7 14 7 14 - - - - 23

Burdwan /

Bardhaman 2 6 8 7.5 10 13.5 - - - - 25

24 Pags (N) /

Ichhamati 2 8 12 29 14 37 - - - - 52

24 Pags (S) /

Sundarbon - - 14 15.5 14 15.5 - - - - 4

Birbhum /

Mayurakshi - - 6 6.5 6 6.5 1 4 - - 8

Uttar

Dinajpur /

Kulick

- -

7

7

7

7

1

4

-

-

17

Dakshin

Dinajpur

/Kulick

- -

3

1.5

3

1.5

-

-

-

5

Malda /

Kulick - - 4 3 4 3 - - - - 8

Bankura /

Kangsabati - - 17 31 17 31 1 4 - - 34

Purulia /

Manbhum - - 2 1 2 1 1 4 - - 4

Howrah /

Howrah - - 7 9 7 9 - - - - 3

Murshidabad

/ Bhagirathi - - - - - - 1 150 1 100 172

Purba

Medinipur /

Tamralipta

- -

1

2

1

2

-

-

-

-

-

T O T A L 5 24 141 225 146 249 7 286 2 200 537

Source: Animal resource development department, Government of West Bengal

A critical look into the performance of the milk unions during 2013-14 reveals that all the

milk unions were engaged in organising primary milk co-operatives and till the reported

period, Murshidabad milk union had the highest no of functional cooperatives (396)

followed by Nadia (266) and Ichhamati (241). The performances of Purba Medinipur, South

58

24 Pargana and Purulia were poor as they failed to have any functional milk co-operatives

(nil in case of Purba Medinipur) or very less in number (13 each for South 24 Pargana and

purulia) (table 2.14). Bhagirathi milk union in Murshidabad has the highest farmer member

(68130, 24.82%) followed by Ichhamati milk union in North 24 Pargana (36225, 13.20%), and

Kisan milk union in Nadia (33481, 12.20%). Besides organising the milk co-operatives, the

unions also provides AI service to their farmer members and each unions have their own AI

sub centres. In this case also, Murshidabad union is having the largest number of AI sub

centres (191) among all the unions followed by Midnapur union (111) and Ichhamati Union

in North 24 Pargana (80). Poor performance of the few milk unions is also evident from their

poor organisation of milk co-operatives and insufficient AI facilities to the members

resulting into poor financial performances as evident from the earlier discussion.

Table 2.14: Performance of Milk Union during 2013-14 District / Milk

Union

Primary Milk Co-operatives Farmer

Member

s(cum)

AI. Sub-

centres

(cum)

A.I.

Done

Female

Calves

Born

Organised

(cum)

Registered

(cum)

Functional

(cum)

Darjeeling/HIMUL 526 348 138 23089 20 982 275

Murshidabad /

Bhagirathi

760 460 396 68130 191 64166 19377

Nadia / Kishan 472 283 266 33481 52 48146 7279

Midnapore/

Midnapore

477 290 214 27583 111 69177 15998

Bardhaman/

Bardhaman

193 101 37 10783 38 31623 4022

Hooghly/Damodar 292 131 35 26975 30 7955 1579

North 24-

Pgs/Ichhamati

582 163 241 36225 80 37660 4332

Howrah/Howrah 96 46 60 4394 Done by ARDD

Dinajpur (N&S),

Malda/Kulick

178 99 26 13337 6 9259 1420

Birbhum/

Mayurakshi

149 43 42 6765 26 12361 1826

South 24-

Pgs/Sundarban

121 92 13 9220 16 3701 445

Bankura/

Kangsabaty

175 56 156 10725 25 14457 1577

Purulia/Manbhum 74 44 13 3823 17 2831 431

Purba Medinipur/

Tamralipta (de-

affiliated from

Paschim Medinipur)

25

Total 4120 2156 1637 274530 612 302318 58561

Source: Animal resource development department, Government of West Bengal

59

C. Mother Dairy Calcutta (MDC)

Apart from Directorate of Dairy Development and West Bengal Co-operative Milk Producers

Federation, Mother Dairy Calcutta is also providing necessary support towards dairy

development in the state through its own infrastructural and managerial capabilities. Today

Mother Dairy has become a household name in case dairy products to the urban consumers

of the state especially greater Kolkata and neighbouring towns. A glimpse of the main

activities of Mother dairy is enlisted below.

• Fresh milk collected from village level dairy cooperative societies (through

Milkfed) &self-help group in Non-MPCS areas.

• This has resulted in increase of collection capacity of Mother Dairy from 80,000

litres to1.60 lakh litres per day (avg).

• From loss it has come to profit of Rs. 11.00 crore during the year 2012-13, Rs.

5.38 crore during the year 2013-14.

• It has launched various products like Flavoured Yoghurt, Probiotic Doi,

Paneer, Mango Pudding, Vanilla & Chocolate Flavoured Ice Cream Cones, Choco &

Orange Candy.

• It has set up 18 modernized Milk Depots in collaboration with WB Livestock

Dev. Corporation and Directorate of Dairy Development to sell their products

jointly all over Kolkata.

• MDC has taken over Burdwan State Dairy which was closed for more than 9

years. The renovation works with a project cost of Rs. 5.70 crore has been

completed that start functioning from February 2014.

• It has launched 100 ice cream push carts to expand its sale of ice cream

products in Kolkata.

60

Table 2.15: Performance at glance

SL.

NO

ACTIVITY UNITS As On

16.09.2014

1 Raw Milk Procurement Ton KG / Day 161.3

2 Total Nos. of Milk Booths/Outlet Nos. 1943

3 Total Nos. of Delivery Boys (door to door

service)

Nos. 13500

4 Total No of self-employment generation

(including Delivery Boys)

Nos 19430

5 Average Daily Sale of Liquid Milk Ltrs/day 305967

6 Sale of Mishti Doi/Yoghurt Kg/day 1356

7 Sale of Probiotic Doi Kg/day 785

8 Sale of Paneer Kg/day 825

9 Sale of Ice Cream Kg/day 451

10 Peda Kg/day 30

11 Mango Pudding Kg/day 30

12 Cow Ghee Kg/day 100

Source: Animal resource development department, Government of West Bengal

61

Table 2.16: District-wise Outlets of Mother Dairy Calcutta

District Kiosks/

Outlets for

self-

employment

as on

31.03.2013

Targeted No

of Kiosks/

Outlets for

self-

employment

(2013-14)

Actual No

of Kiosks/

Outlets

achieved for

self

employment

(2013-14)

Kiosks/

Outlets for

self-

employment

as on

31.03.2014

Reamrks

Kolkata 899 175 180 1079 1) No of

persons

engaged

in each outlet -

10

2) Total no of

self-

employment

-25270

Bankura 18 8 6 24

Birbhum 25 12 10 35

Burdwan 120 25 18 138

Coochbehar 5 0

D Dinajpur 5 0

U Dinajpur 5 0

Darjeeling 28 20 16 44

Howrah 272 35 28 300

Hooghly 239 25 22 261

Jalpaiguri 5 5

Malda 31 20 15 46

Murshidabad 5 0

Nadia 26 15 12 38

North 24 Pgs 149 30 22 171

South 24 Pgs 118 50 42 160 Paschim

Medinipur

Medinipur

77 40 32 109

Purba

Medinipur

Medinipur

48 30 27 75

Purulia 27 20 15 42

Total 2077 525 450 2527

Source: Animal resource development department, Government of West Bengal

62

Chapter III

Policies and Programmes / Schemes for Dairy Development

3.1 Introduction

In West Bengal, the Animal Resources Development Department is responsible for the

formulation and implementation of Livestock and Poultry policies and programmes of the

state. The following participatory branches including a university under this department are

looking after the successful implementation of all the projects and schemes of the Department

(NDDB, 2017):

1. Directorate of Animal Resources & Animal Health (DAR&AH):

It is playing pivotal role for the control of animal diseases, scientific management and

upgradation of genetic resources of livestock and poultry birds, increase in availability

of nutritious feed and fodder, extension of activities on animal husbandry practices and

also enhancement of production and profitability of livestock enterprises.

2. Directorate of Dairy Development:

It is engaged in the processing of raw milk to produce pasteurised and homogenised

market milk and various milk products, which in turn, are sold through its own network.

3. Paschim Banga Go-Sampad Bikash Sanstha (PBGSBS):

It is registered society created to act as catalyst for qualitative, quantitative and genetic

improvement of bovine population in this State.

4. West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences (WBUAFS):

It imparts quality education, undertakes basic and need-based research and disseminates

proven technologies to the rural masses.

5. West Bengal Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation Ltd. (WBCMPF):

The WBCMPFL was registered in the year 1983 in order to eliminate middlemen and

organise institutions to be owned and managed by the milk producers themselves.

The basic objective was to provide assured and remunerative market for the milk

produced by the farmer members.

6. West Bengal Dairy & Poultry Development Corporation Limited (DAIRPOUL):

It is a government enterprise created in 1969 to supply high quality compounded feed

for livestock under “Epic” brand name.

63

7. West Bengal Livestock Development Board:

It focuses on meat and meat product marketing.

8. Mother Dairy:

It oversees milk processing and supply to Greater Kolkata and other areas.

9. West Bengal Veterinary Council:

The council is sincerely discharging the statutory functions like regulation of veterinary

practice, Registration & Renewal of Veterinary Practitioners, monitoring the

professional conduct, etiquette and code of ethics of registered veterinarians and

organization of workshops and seminars to promote professional knowledge.

10. The Calcutta Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (CSPCA):

The CSPCA, a charitable organization formed in the year 1861 with an objective to give

relief to the helpless animals, especially the stray dogs. The society provides treatment

and health care to the animals free of cost. It is a non-profitable organization surviving

purely on Government aid and donations.

The main programmes and schemes for dairy development in West Bengal can be classified into

two categories viz.

I. Central Schemes;

II. State Schemes;

3.2 Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development

Table 3.1 Central schemes for Animal Husbandry Development

1. National

Programme for

Bovine Breeding

(NPBB)

NPBB sponsored by Government of India is implemented in West Bengal

though BGSBSP. The Sanstha has more than 3,000 Pranibandhu working at

Gram Panchayat level for delivery of breeding inputs at the farmer’s doorstep.

These workers perform Artificial Insemination (AI), vaccination of animals and

provide primary health care. Funds are also used for improvement in quality

of bulls used for natural service and artificial insemination, imposing strict

quality control of services and inputs, consolidation and initiation of

programme for development and conservation of recognized indigenous

breed so as to improve the genetic makeup as well as their availability.

The chief objective of the Program is to arrange quality AI services at Farmers’

door step and to bring all breedable females under organized breeding

through AI or Natural service using germplasm of High Genetic Merit. It also

aims to conserve, develop and proliferate selected Indigenous Bovine breed

of High Socio economic importance.

2. Rashtriya Krishi

Vikas Yojana

During the year 2016-17, the total outlay under RKVY for the state was to the

tune of Rs. 62.24 crore to ensure a comprehensive development in agriculture

64

(RKVY) and allied sectors. The ARD Department has implemented the following

projects/ schemes under RKVY during the year 2016-17.

i. Extension of Animal Health Care Services in remote areas of West Bengal

through the Mobile Veterinary Clinic (MVC);

ii. Livelihood improvement of poor and tribal people through livestock

based enterprises in selected villages of Jhargram Block ;

iii. Prani-Shakti - Tablet PC & Web-enabled Animal Resources Extension &

Information Management System;

iv. Purchase of new Freeze Drier Machine at IAH&VB, Belgachia;

v. Setting up of the Mineral Mixture Plant by WBCMPFL;

vi. Optimization of productive efficiency through organization of Animal

Health Camps (Parasitic Control & Fertility Improvement)

vii. Modernization and Strengthening of Bull Mother Farm, Haringhata;

vii. Certificate Course on Artificial Insemination (Pranisebee);

viii. Establishment of FSBS at Pedong, Darjeeling.

3. Rural

Infrastructure

Development

Fund (RIDF)

Under RIDF, the following activities were undertaken by the State during

2016-17:

i) Strengthening and modernising treatment & diagnostic facilities at Block

Level

ii) Modernization of Haringhata Dairy

iii) Upgradation of Infrastructure Facilities of Sperm Station at Beldanga,

Murshidabad

iv) Establishment of Murrah Buffalo Bull Mother Farm at Turkidanga,

Bishnupur, Bankura

4. Professional

Efficiency

Development

Through this Programme, the West Bengal Veterinary Council has trained 320

(three hundred twenty) nos. of Veterinarians and provided advance

knowledge in the field of Veterinary & Animal Sciences during 2016-17. The

Central Government provides 50 per cent assistance for setting up and

functioning of Veterinary Council.

5. National Dairy

Plan-I

Under NDP-I, the mandate is to strengthen the Frozen Semen Stations located

at Haringhata & Salboni and increase its production by two fold. Moreover,

under Bull Production Programme through imported Embryo the Project,

production of pure Jersey & Holstein bulls were aimed through advanced

Embryo Transfer technology.

6. Assistance to

States for Control

of Animal Diseases

(ASCAD)

This scheme aims to control livestock diseases through conducting mass

vaccination and diagnosis of diseases in the newly established DDLs to reduce

the morbidity & mortality of animals. It is implemented in the state from the

year 2004-05 with 75 per cent central share and 25 per cent state share

7. Establishment and

Strengthening of

Veterinary

Hospital and Dis-

pensaries(ESVHD)”

The West Bengal, DAIRPOUL is entrusted the responsibility of implementing of

Centrally Sponsored ESVHD scheme. The corporation has renovated as well as

constructed Veterinary Hospitals and Dispensaries.

65

8. National Animal

Disease Reporting

System

(NADRS)

DAR&AH is implementing NADRS in West Bengal. NADRS involves

computerized linking 333 block, District and the State headquarters in the

State with the central project monitoring unit New Delhi to record and

monitor livestock disease situation.

9. National Livestock

Mission (NLM)

Under NLM, four different components were covered during 2016- 17 with a

total outlay of ` 11 85.84 lakh

a. Risk

management and

Insurance of Milch

Animals

The scheme, being implemented by PGSBS, aims towards risk Management

and Insurance of 143,000 nos. of Milch Animals. With 16 per cent of premium

payment, the beneficiary can insure his dairy animal and Centre & State

Governments bear 40 per cent and 44 per cent of premium cost respectively.

. b. Modernization

and Development

of Breeding

Infrastructure

It proposes development of Kotulpur Fodder Farm into a Model State- of- the-

Art Farm. This is being implemented by the Directorate of AR&AH, GoWB on

funding pattern of 60 per cent Central & 40 per cent State share.

c. Fodder Seed

Production,

Procurement &

Distribution

The objective is Fodder Seed Production, Procurement & Distribution. Target

is to supply of 14,000 Minikit. This is being implemented by the Directorate of

AR&AH, GoWB (Funding pattern of 60:40 as CS:SS)

10. Integrated Sample

Survey (ISS)

As per the guidelines of GoI, the Department of ARD regularly conduct field

survey work to generate season-wise and annual estimates (district-wise &

for the state) of production of milk and other other livestock products and by-

products. For this purpose, 50 per cent central assistance is provided to the

State.

11. Livestock Census In addition to ISS, the Department of ARD conducts Quinquennial Livestock

Census every five years to capture total livestock population, male & female

bovines, milch & in-milk population.

Source: NDDB, 2017

66

Table 3.2: State Schemes

1. Cattle & Buffalo

Development

The Scheme aims to augment milk production in the State through the

following:

i. Breed up-gradation / crossbreeding of low milk producing local

Cattle & Buffalo through artificial insemination

ii. Frozen Semen Straws production of elite bulls of Gir, Sahiwal,

Jersey & Murrah (buffalo) breed

iii. Infrastructure development, which are not included under NDP &

NPBB

iv. Maintenance and updation of e-PBGSBS Management System, a

bovine Breeding management System.

2. Establishment of

Fodder

Development

Plot

This program aims to develop Fodder Demonstration Plot in 10 (ten)

cottahs of land in farmers’ field to encourage livestock farmers in

production of Green Fodder

3. Enrichment of

dry fodder

It aims to enrich the straw/ cellulosic waste by addition of urea for

enhancing the nutritional value

4. Fodder Seed

production

through JV

initiative

It aims to enhance the production of Certified Fodders Seeds in

Government Fodder Farms, Kishan Vikas Kendra & Agriculture

Universities

Source: NDDB, 2017

Table 3.3: Central Schemes for Dairy development in the State

1. National Dairy

Plan-I

In order to increase productivity of milch animals and to provide a

greater access to the organised milk-processing sector to rural milk

producers, NDP-I is being implement in West Bengal. The scheme

provides 100 per cent grant-in-aid for animal nutrition & breeding

activities, 25 per cent grant-in-aid for capital expenditure on new semen

station and 50 per cent grant on cost of capital items for village milk

procurement system.

Source: NDDB, 2017

67

Table 3.4: State Schemes for Dairy Development

1. Development of

Milk Co-

operatives

A) Developments of Milk Co-operative Societies by extending

special financial assistance to meet up milk production cost to the

dairy cooperative farmers through the Dist. Milk Unions.

B) Improvement of the quality of milk and enhancement of milk

yield, providing of Milk Scanner and Special Feed Additives to the

members of the Milk Coop Societies to maintain quality milk supply

chain and to save the milk farmers from the clutches of

unscrupulous traders and to deliver good quality processed milk to

the urban consumers.

2. Creation of

Capital Assets

(Infrastructure

Development)

Setting up of infrastructure for Value Added Products, expansion of

basic Civil Infrastructure for installing Dairy Machineries. Keeping

these factors in view, extension of Civil Infrastructure in the Dairy

Plants of the Milk Unions and installation of Dairy Equipment.

3. Women

Empowerment

in Milk

Cooperatives

Assistance towards construction of Society Building, Furniture,

AMCU(s), Milk Cans for Women Dairy Cooperative Societies and

Milk Pails, Cattle Insurance, Chaff Cutter, Cattle Shed for Individual

Women Farmers. Involvement of rural women in restructuring of

their socio-economic status and promoting of rural women

empowerment as a Govt. policy.

4. Incentive for

Cattle Feed

Subsidy to the

Milk

Cooperative

Farmers

Incentive for providing balanced Cattle Feed to the Milk

Cooperative farmers for their cattle to maintain the health and

enhancement of milk yield.

5. Fodder

Development

Programme

A) Azolla Cultivation among the Marginal Farmers having almost

no land for Fodder cultivation opted for Production Unit as an

alternative source of Green Fodder. Production of raw milk after

Azolla feeding increases and more milk price earned which can be

considered to be profitable to the farmers as Low Cost Technology

with trouble free cultivation.

B) Fodder Seed - Due to high price rise of concentrates, farmers

are now finding difficulty in maintaining cattle. Encouraging farmers

in taking Green Fodder for better nutrition of cattle and thus

enhancement of milk yield, steady conception and good growth by

providing Green Fodder as Feed would help to minimize the cost of

Milk production and execution of the same among the Dairy

Cooperative Farmers through the Dist. Milk Union

Source: NDDB, 2017

68

Chapter IV

Socio-Economic Profile of Selected Milk Unions, PDCS/Private Units

and Milk Producers West Bengal, with an area of 88,752 square kilometres and twenty-three districts, has been

classified into six major agro-climatic regions (viz. Hill, Terai, Old Alluvial, New Alluvial, Red

& Laterite and Coastal & Saline Zones) depending on the locational geo-morphology and

climatic conditions. For the purpose of the present study, as discussed earlier, we have

chosen four districts from three different agro-climatic zones.

4.1 About Selected Study Area and Milk Unions

The district of Bankura (geographical area 6882 square kilometres) is situated in the Red &

Laterite Zone in the western part of the state. Nadia having geographical area of 3927

square kilometres is situated in the eastern part of the state and have been classified under

New Alluvial Zone. The two districts of Twenty Four Parganas i.e. North and South have

geographical areas 9960 square kilometres and 4094 square kilometres respectively. South

Twenty Four Parganas is located in the southernmost part of the state and classified under

Coastal & Saline Zone while major portion of its Northern counterpart (situated in south-

eastern part) comes under New Alluvial region. A small chunk of North Twenty Four

Parganas faces coastal and saline geo-morphological scenario.

In course of the present study it was found that each of the selected districts is having a milk

union that is taking care of the functioning of the Dairy Cooperative Societies (DCS) within

the district. Very fascinatingly two of the milk unions of Bankura and North Twenty Four

Parganas were named after the major river flowing through the district. In Bankura it is

Kangsaboti (Kangsaboti Co-op Milk Producers’ Union Ltd) while in the other it is Ichamati

(Ichamati Milk Producers’ Union Ltd). The milk union in Nadia is known as The Kishan Co-op.

Milk Producers’ Union Ltd (Table 4.1). In South Twenty Four Parganas, however, the milk

union is named after the great mangrove forest (Sundarban) of the Bengal delta (Sundarban

Co-operative Milk & Livestock Producers’ Union Ltd.).

69

Table 4.1: Selected Milk Producers’ Cooperative Unions in West Bengal

Sr.

No.

Name of Milk Producers’

Cooperative Union

District Agro-Climatic

Zone

Region

1 Kangsaboti Co-op Milk Producers’

Union Ltd.

Bankura Red & Laterite West

2 The Kishan Co-op. Milk Producers’

Union Ltd.

Nadia New Alluvial East

3 Sundarban Co-operative Milk &

Livestock Producers’ Union Ltd.

South 24

Parganas

New Alluvial South-East

4 Ichamati Milk Producers’ Union Ltd. North 24

Parganas

Coastal & Saline South

Source: National Dairy Development Board, Kolkata

Table 4.2: Details of Selected Milk Producers’ Cooperative Unions in West Bengal 2015-16

Sr.

No

Item No Selected Co-operative Milk Producers’ Union

Kangsaboti

MU

Kishan MU Sundarban

MU

Ichamati

MU

1 No. of Districts covered 1 1 1 1

2 Name of Districts Covered Bankura Nadia South 24

Parganas

North 24

Parganas

3 Villages Covered 765 734 84 579

4 Milk Co-op.Soc.

(i) Registered NA NA NA NA

(ii)Proposed NA NA NA NA

(iii)Total 350 242 44 205

(iv) Functioning NA NA NA NA

5 Members of Milk Co-op. Soc. (000) 19.8 32.1 1.9 37.1

6 (i) Milk collected from Soc. (lakh Lit.) 2.0 143.3 3.1 47.9

(ii) Milk collected from Other. (lakh lit.) 0 0 0 0

Total Milk collected (lakh lit.) 2.0 143.3 3.1 47.9

7 Sale of Rajka Seed (kgs) NA* NA NA NA

8 Sale of other Seeds (kgs) NA NA NA NA

9 Roots/ Slips distributed(Nos) NA NA NA NA

10 Production of Cattle feed(M.T.) NA NA NA NA

11 Sale of Balance Feed(M.T.) 437 353.0 NA 409.4

12 No of Female Co- Society NA NA NA NA

13 No of Members of Female Co Societies NA NA NA NA

14 Installed Capacity (LLPD) NA NA NA NA

15 Milk Procure (LKPD) NA NA NA NA

(i) Collected from Soc. NA NA NA NA

(ii) Collected from Others NA NA NA 0

16 Milk Processing Cap.(LLPD) NA NA NA NA

17 Procurement price Rs/lit Fat NA NA NA NA

18 Supply of Chaff Cutter NA NA NA NA

19 Av. Veterinary visits 0 8.2 NA 20.9

Source: As reported by the Managing Directors of respective milk unions.

*NA= Not Applicable, as some of the parameters were not included in the questionnaire.

70

In all four districts barring South Twenty Four Parganas, the milk unions cover over five

hundred villages in respective districts (Table 4.2). In South Twenty Four Parganas, however,

the milk union had been suffering from disorderly functioning lately. Activities of

Sundarban MU have been rejuvenated in 2015 and were found to grow in a steady pace

during the time of survey. But the locational specificity of the district, been situated in the

delta region with numerous rivers and rivulets crisscrossing through the land terrain, poses

hindrance to easy communication from one area to another.

The number of cooperative societies under the jurisdiction of the milk unions was highest in

Bankura (350), while it was lowest in South Twenty Four Parganas (44). However, the milk

procurement/collection figures reveal that Nadia topping the list with 143.3 lakh kilograms

of liquid milk from the cooperative societies per annum. Sale of balanced feed was highest

in the district of North Twenty four Parganas (registering sale quantum of 409.4 M.T.). The

average veterinary visit had been maximum in North Twenty Four Parganas.

The Kishan milk union has been the oldest milk union among the four under consideration

(Table 4.31). It was registered on the 25

th day of May 1980 while the other three were

established in the late 90’s. Over the years from 2009-10 to 2012-13 the cumulative number

of functional cooperative societies were highest that are operating within the jurisdiction of

Kishan milk union. However, despite being a late beginner the Ichamati MU has more

farmer members than the other three MUs. Milk procurement figures over the years are

matter of great concern. In all the milk unions barring Sundarban MU, the milk procurement

per day (KPD) has decreased during 2012-13 in comparison with previous year’s figures. The

reduction appears to be very sharp in case of Ichamati MU. Sundarban MU, though starting

at a low base has developed marginally in 2012-13. But overall the scenario seems to be

very bleak.

This gets corroborated from the overall data of cooperative societies that have been

organized and the cumulative numbers of farmer members in West Bengal. In a span of four

years from 2009-10 to 2012-13 it increased at a slow pace (Table 4.4). The increase in the

number of societies had been to the tune of a meagre 4.7 per cent from 2009-10 to 2012-

1 Tables 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6 and 4.7 had to be restructured in accordance with the availability of data for West

Bengal from secondary sources. Data available from secondary sources have been presented in Tables 4.3, 4.4,

4.5 and 4.6. Table 4.7 has been dropped. But to keep parity with the subsequent table numbers we stuck to

the design given by the coordinating centre. And hence, tables in the subsequent section begin with Table 4.8.

71

13. Corresponding figure as regards to membership of farmers was 8.1 per cent.

Development of the dairy sector in the second decade of this new millennium, as revealed

from the official information, does not seem to be encouraging.

As far as milk processing plants are concerned, all the districts of the present study do not

have such plants. Of the four, Bankura, Nadia and North Twenty Four Parganas have milk

processing plants situated in the district. South Twenty Four Parganas does not have such

facility. Even in the former three districts the plants generally process liquid milk of various

standards. Only in Nadia and North Twenty Four Parganas processing of Ghee and Ice Cream

is done. The 4000 LPD plant in Bankura has been processing liquid milk only (Table 4.5).

Table 4.3: Milk Unions in the Selected Districts. 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Kangsaboti Co-op. Milk Producers’ Union Ltd. [DoR 18.06.1999]

Primary Co-operatives

(Cumulative)

Organized 97 118 150 175

Registered 26 28 29 61

Functional 97 110 137 164

Farmer Members 7823 9935 10205 10725

AI Sub Centre (Cumulative) 25 25 25 25

Milk Procurement (KPD) 7800 12000 14130 10000

The Kishan Co-op. Milk Producers’ Union Ltd. [DoR 25.09.1980]

Primary Co-operatives

(Cumulative)

Organized 408 416 428 427

Registered 273 276 283 283

Functional 199 204 212 225

Farmer Members 29016 29557 30525 30525

AI Sub Centre (Cumulative) 83 84 87 52

Milk Procurement (KPD) 45350 45390 42920 39500

Sundarban Co-op. Milk & Livestock Producers’ Union Ltd. [DoR 10.02.1997]

Primary Co-operatives

(Cumulative)

Organized 121 121 120 121

Registered 91 91 92 92

Functional 17 15 20 18

Farmer Members 9200 9200 9200 9220

AI Sub Centre (Cumulative) 16 16 16 16

Milk Procurement (KPD) 1000 3200 870 1560

Ichamati Milk Producers’ Union Ltd. [DoR 31.07.1997]

Primary Co-operatives

(Cumulative)

Organized 515 517 517 535

Registered 152 152 152 152

Functional 243 249 182 141

Farmer Members 32051 32981 32981 32981

AI Sub Centre (Cumulative) 80 80 80 80

Milk Procurement (KPD) 46890 48400 30640 18010

Source: http://www.benmilk.com/pr/kangsaboti.html; kishan.html; ichamati.html; sundarban.html.

DoR- Date of Registration

72

The situation must have improved a little in 2015-16 which gets reflected in the data

provided by the milk unions of the four districts (Table 4.6). The Kangsaboti MU of Bankura

and the Sundarban MU of South Twenty Four Parganas are producing Ghee, though in a

small quantity, nonetheless have initiated production of value added products from milk.

The Ichamati MU, however, have diversified its products in a number of items like Paneer,

Lassi etc. On the contrary the Kishan MU of Nadia is found to produce none of the value

added products. Value addition and manufacturing the milk products have ample market

opportunities particularly in the urban areas and are the main source of profit for the

unions. Establishment of processing plants backed by a regular and continuous inflow of

liquid mild from the grass root producers make a dent in the prevailing impasse of the dairy

industry. We shall take up the subject in later chapter.

Table 4.4: Number of Milk Cooperative Societies in West Bengal

Year 2009 - 10 2010 - 11 2011 - 12 2012 - 13

Society Organized (Cumulative) 3,819 3,862 3,899 3,998

Farmer Members (Cumulative) 2,47,148 2,57,652 2,59,334 2,67,124

Source: http://www.benmilk.com/soc.html

Table 4.5: Milk Processing Plants in the Sample District

Plants Capacity Products Manufactured

Raipur Dairy, Raipur, Bankura. 4,000 LPD Liquid Milk

State Dairy, Krishnagar, Nadia 20,000 LPD Milk of Various Standards, Ghee

Metro Dairy Ltd., Barasat, 24 Parganas

(N) 4.0 LLPD Milk of Various Standards, Ice Creams

Source: http://www.benmilk.com/plants.html

4.2 About the Study Villages

It has already been stated in methodology that from each of the four districts, four villages

were chosen for the purpose of the survey. Of the four, two villages enjoyed the coverage of

dairy cooperative society (we call them DCS villages) while the other two had no benefit of

dairy cooperative society within the village (the NDCS villages). Hence, eight villages in total

were DCS villages and the other eight were NDCS villages.

73

Table 4.6: Details of Production and Marketing of Processed Products by Selected Milk Producers’

Cooperative Unions in West Bengal 2015-16

Sr.

No

Name of Districts Covered Selected Co-operative Milk Producers’ Union

Bankura Nadia South 24

Parganas*

North 24

Parganas

1 Production of Ghee (‘000 Kg.) 3.5 - 6.05 11.57

Total Production Cost of Ghee/Kg. (Rs.) 312.00 - 376.25 373.50

Total Margins Received from Ghee/Kg. (Rs.) 68.00 - 50.00 55.07

2 Production of Paneer (‘000 Kg.) - - - 2.74

Total Production Cost of Paneer/Kg. (Rs.) - - - 230.00

Total Margins Received from Paneer/Kg. (Rs.) - - - 27.20

3 Production of Lassi (‘000 Kg.) - - - 126.39

Total Production Cost of Lassi/Kg. (Rs.) - - - 53.10

Total Margins Received from Lassi/Kg. (Rs.) - - - 21.90

4 Production of Peda (‘000 Kg.) - - - 25.53

Total Production Cost of Peda/Kg. (Rs.) - - - 284.00

Total Margins Received from Peda/Kg. (Rs.) - - - 49.00

Source: As reported by the Managing Directors of respective milk unions.

*Data relates to 2016-17.

At this juncture, a few words regarding Mouza (defined in terms of Judicial List of land

revenue system) and village (cluster of households residing in neighbourhood) need

mentioning. As a general rule Mouza and village are co-terminous in West Bengal. But at

the same time there are few exceptions to this general rule. In course of our village survey

in South Twenty Four Parganas we came across two villages (viz. Ranigarh1 and Ranigarh 2)

that come under the jurisdiction of Ranigarh Mouza. Ranigarh 1 is a DCS village while

Ranigarh 2 is a NDCS one. Nutangram( NDCS villages in North Twenty Four Parganas) is a

part of jurisdictional area of Satbaria Mouza. And Malipota (another NDCS village in North

Twenty Four Parganas) refers to Paschim Malipota Mouza.

Population composition of the DCS villages in four districts reveals that proportion of

Scheduled Caste population is highest in Nafarganj in South Twenty Four Parganas (64.3% of

total population) followed by Ambarpur in North Twenty Four Parganas (56.6%) and

Banskopa in Bankura (41.9%)(Table 4.8). Proportion of Scheduled Tribes, however, is higher

in both the villages of Bankura (18.2% & 22.7% in Banskopa and Bankata respectively) and

Bholadanga in Nadia (18.4% of total population). All the villages barring two (Banskopa &

Ranigarh 1) have the facility of safe drinking water as per 2011 census. But in a span of five

years (from 2011 to 2016) the situation must have changed for the fact that during primary

survey we found use of tube wells in these two villages. Electricity is available for domestic

purposes in almost all the villages. Irrigation facilities in the villages seem abundant. In

74

South Twenty Four Parganas proportion of irrigated area to net sown area was around 50

per cent, which had been in the lower side among all the DCS villages. Geographical

specificity of being situated in the delta might have been a cause for poor irrigation. In other

districts proportion of irrigation to net sown area ranged between 66.9 per cent in Bankura

to 100.0 per cent in North Twenty Four Parganas.

Table 4.8: Basic details of Selected DCS Villages (2011 Census)

Area details

Basic details of Selected DCS Villages

Bankura Nadia South 24 Parganas North 24 Parganas

Banskop

a Bankata Bholadanga Goash Nafarganj

Ranigarh

1*

Ambarpu

r

Nutangram*

*

Area of village

(in hectares) 304.22 100.55 312.42 1099.35 868.05 253.9 358.52 235.88

No. of

households 467 113 844 2618 849 575 691 578

Population 2160 576 3534 9609 3744 2973 2734 2496

SC population 904 13 802 3524 2408 818 1547 399

ST population 394 131 650 256 148 83 19 9

Drinking water

facilities A NA A A A NA A A

Approach

paved roads NA A NA A A NA A A

Approach mud

roads A A A A NA A A A

Distance

(kms)-nearest

town

33 36 23 77 37 25 19 10

Electricity for

domestic use A NA A A A A A A

Electricity of

agricultural

use

A NA A A NA NA NA A

Net Sown

Area (Ha.) 206.39 95.5 306.42 919.25 811.15 164.76 287 164.38

Irrigated

area(Ha.) 202.34 64.89 237 735.4 394.63 84.97 287 147.48

Un-irrigated

area (Ha.) 4.05 30.61 69.42 183.85 416.52 79.79 0 16.9

% Irrigated

Area 98.0 67.9 77.3 80.0 48.7 51.6 100.0 89.7

Culturable

waste (Ha.) 0 0 0 27 0 0 2 52.5

Area not

available for

cultivation

(Ha.)

97.83 5.05 6 153.1 56.9 89.14 69.52 19

Source: Field Survey Data A=Available/Yes, NA=Not Available/No

*Ranigarh 1 &Ranigarh 2 both come under Ranigarh Mouza.

**Nutangram comes under Satbaria Mouza

75

Table 4.9: Basic details of Selected NDCS Villages (2011 Census)

Details

Basic details of Selected NDCS Villages

Bankura Nadia South 24 Parganas North 24 Parganas Kustara Masatkhal Dahakula Baniakandi Goran

Bose

Ranigarh

2*

Srinathpur Malipota**

Area of

village (in

hectares)

131.4 128.5 359.36 249.56 1018.6 253.9 74.46 211.65

No. of

households 142 86 574 256 2754 575 183 432

Population 729 479 2478 994 12642 2973 751 1785

SC

population 76 0 143 42 4632 818 75 739

ST

population 94 0 603 0 126 83 9 526

Tube wells

for domestic

use

A NA A A NA NA A A

Pucca Road NA NA A A NA NA A A

Gravel Roads A A A A A A A A

Distance

(kms)-

nearest town

30 36 27 85 26 25 16 69

Electricity for

domestic use A A A A A A A A

Electricity of

agricultural

use

A NA A A NA NA A NA

Net Sown

Area (Ha.) 130.4 52.16 159.72 190.4 548.5 164.76 74.46 186.6

Irrigated

area (Ha.) 116.15 22.4 159.72 139.18 40.5 84.97 59.46 11.4

Un-irrigated

area (Ha.) 14.25 29.76 0 51.22 508 79.79 15 175.2

% Irrigated

Area 89.1 42.9 100.0 73.1 7.4 51.6 79.9 6.1

Culturable

waste (Ha.) 0 0 54.36 7.94 0 0 0 2.75

Area not

available for

cultivation

(Ha.)

1 76.34 145.28 51.22 470.1 89.14 0 22.3

Source: Field Survey Data; A=Available/Yes, NA=Not Available/No

*Ranigarh 1 &Ranigarh 2 both come under Ranigarh Mouza.

**Malipota refers to Paschim Malipota in Census 2011.

As far as the NDCS villages are concerned, we came across sizeable incidence of Scheduled

Caste communities in the districts of both North and South Twenty Four Parganas. Malipota

in North and Goran Bose in South recorded incidence of Scheduled Caste population to the

tune of 41.4 per cent and 36.6 per cent respectively (Table 4.9). On the contrary people

belonging to Scheduled Tribe communities were found in significant proportion in Kushtora

76

(Bankura) and Dhakula (Nadia). All the villages were having roadway connectivity of gravel

road and were enjoying facilities of domestic electrification. The villages in general were

having irrigation facilities for cultivation of crops barring Goran Bose in South Twenty Four

Parganas and Malipota in the north. These two villages were primarily monocropped.

On the whole the villages (both DCS and NDCS) in four districts were placed more or less at

par in respect of the basic socio-economic parameters with a little difference among them.

Important was to find two monocropped villages having very poor facilities of irrigation for

agricultural purposes.

4.3 About Sample PDCS & Private Dairy Units

It was interesting to find that dairy farming as an occupation was quite common in the

villages having dairy cooperatives. Particularly in the villages of Nadia, South Twenty Four

Parganas and Bankura households pursuing dairy enterprise seemed to be common (Table

4.10). The presence and establishment of dairy cooperatives in the villages might have had a

positive impact on motivating the people in indulging into this agriculture allied activity.

Total milk produced in the villages was procured by the society. No private dairy unit (PDU)

was found in the study villages. Quantum of milk being collected had been maximum in the

villages of Bankura. It is also worth mentioning that the entire milk procured by the milk

cooperatives was sent to respective milk unions. Average fat content of procured milk

ranged from 4.0 to 4.9, which seemed to be a little low.

77

Table 4.10: Profile of Selected PDCS & Private Dairy Units in West Bengal 2015-16

District Profile of Selected PDCS & Private Dairy Units in Gujarat

Bankura Nadia South 24 Parganas* North 24 Parganas

Selected PDCS

Village Bankata Banskopa Goash Bholadanga Nafarganj Ranigarh 1 Nutangram Ambarpur

Total No. of HHs

in Village

300 150 786 389 200 200 250 210

Total No. of Dairy

Farmer

households

(approx.)

115 120 642 367 120 150 100 56

Total milk

collection (liters)

108859.6 112532.5 23166.0 520.5 10910.0 11800.0 NA 19091.0

Av. Fat (%) 4.4 4.3 4.0 4.3 4.6 4.9 NA 4.2

Total No. of milk

producers

110 100 65 36 75 50 79 56

Milk sent to Milk

Union (liters)

108859.6 112532.5 23166.0 520.5 10910.0 11800.0 NA 19091.0

Milk sold @

dairy- Quantity

(lit)

0 0 0 0 0 0 NA 0

Milk sold @

dairy- Rate/lit

(Rs.)

0 0 0 0 0 0 NA 0

Selected Private

Dairy Units- PDU

Tehsil/

Taluka

- - - - - - - -

Village - - - - - - - -

Agent - - - - - - - -

Total No. of HHs

in Village

- - - - - - - -

Total No. of Dairy

Farmers hh

(approx.)

- - - - - - - -

Total milk

collection (liters)

- - - - - - - -

Av. Fat (%) - - - - - - - -

Total No. of milk

producers

- - - - - - - -

Milk sent to Milk

Union (liters)

- - - - - - - -

Milk sold @

dairy- Quantity

(lit)

- - - - - - - -

Milk sold @

dairy- Rate/lit

(Rs.)

- - - - - - - -

Any Other - - - - - - - -

Source: Field Survey Data

*Data relate to March 2016 to January 2017

78

4.4 About the Sample Households

4.4.1 Socio-Economic Characteristics

Dairy as an economic enterprise of a family depends on various socio-economic parameters

that indicates the household’s resource position. Apart from possession of investible capital

for the enterprise it is access to the quality of human capital that may turn out to be a

significant determinant of success of the business. Dairy activity in West Bengal is carried

out mostly by participation of family labour in the villages, of which we shall be discussing

later on. But in view of such involvement of family members age and gender composition

within the family, educational background, participatory motivation of family members etc.

are important factors that have direct influence on betterment and expansion of the

enterprise.

Table 4.11: Family Profile of Selected Households

Sl. No. Particulars DCS (n=120) NDCS (n=120)

SM MM LM TM SM MM LM TM

1. Average Household Size

(Nos.)

Male 2.0 2.1 2.3 2.1 1.9 2.2 2.8 2.3

Female 1.5 1.7 1.7 1.6 1.4 1.7 1.7 1.6

Children (<15) 0.7 1.0 1.1 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.8 0.8

Total 4.0 4.3 4.5 4.3 4.0 4.3 5.0 4.4

2. Gender of Respondent / HH

(%)

Male 40.0 40.0 37.5 39.2 40.0 42.5 42.5 41.7

Female 60.0 60.0 62.5 60.8 60.0 57.5 57.5 58.3

3. Average Age of Respondent

(years)

Male 52.6 53.4 53.4 53.1 49.1 52.7 54.7 52.1

Female 43.5 44.9 41.1 43.2 43.1 43.8 39.3 42.0

Total 49.0 50.0 48.8 49.2 46.7 48.9 48.2 47.9

4. Average Age of Family (years) 37.1 37.4 37.0 37.2 37.1 37.1 35.4 36.5

5. Average Education of

Respondent / HH (Years) 5.9 6.6 7.3 6.6 4.8 5.6 4.3 4.9

6. % of Family Members Works

in Dairy 70.9 65.9 68.9 68.5 61.6 67.1 64.0 64.3

Note: SM-Small, MM-Medium, LM-Large, TM-Total

Source: Field survey data

In terms of average family size the households the villages of four districts (both DCS and

NDCS villages) reveal similar pattern. The average family size in aggregate was around 4.3-

4.4 in DCS and NDCS villages (Table 4.11). Average family size had been smallest (4.0) among

small milk producers and highest (5.0) among large milk producers in NDCS villages. Average

79

age of respondents varied between 46.7 to 50 years while average age of the family was

around 37 years. This signified presence of relatively younger members in the family. It was

also interesting to find that average age of female respondents was significantly lower than

that of male respondents in all four district irrespective of DCS or not. As dairy is an

enterprise that requires day to day nurturing of the cattle and taking care through scientific

veterinary practices, education of respondents might have a crucial impact on cattle rearing.

In the households under present enquiry the education scenario was found quite dismal.

Average years of formal education among the DCS households was 6.6 while it had been 4.9

among NDCS ones. The numbers of years signify that the respondents in general have

formal education not higher than middle school standards. In respect of development of

human capital and initiating entrepreneurship among them education in general plays an

important role. And village of this present concern suffered from such expansion.

Population composition in respect of religious groups revealed that in all villages, people

from Hindu religious belief dominate the social scenario of whom people from the

Scheduled and other backward communities are of sizeable proportion in the respective

size-classes. Scheduled Tribes were few in number (Table 4.12). However, all the size-class

categories with exception of middle farmers in DCS villages seemed to be predominantly

from Hindu upper and middle caste families along with few Muslim families.

It was remarkable to observe that in the DCS villages decision makers in the dairy activity

across all size-classes were mostly female members of the family. On the contrary, in the

NDCS villages male members dominate decision making as regard to dairy enterprise. In

face of the patriarchal social structure in villages of West Bengal the DCS must have had

some impact through its operation to tilt the power balance towards women. In each village

at least 2.5 members are involved in dairy activities.

Families in both DCS and NDCS villages were mostly farming families pursuing cultivation as

their principal occupation. Across all size-classes in DCS villages 76.7 per cent in aggregate

were cultivators while for NDCS the corresponding percentage was 74.2. There were few

wage earning households, the proportion of which ranged between 7.5-17.5 per cent

irrespective of having a milk cooperative or not. Involvement of families in Dairy and Animal

Husbandry as their principal occupation was also not encouraging. Most of the households

took up dairy enterprise as their subsidiary source of income even in the DCS villages.

80

Table 4.12: Socio-Economic Characteristics of Selected Households

Sl. No. Particulars DCS (n=120) NDCS (n=120)

SM MM LM TM SM MM LM TM

1. Gender of Decision Maker (%)

Male 45.0 45.0 47.5 45.8 80.0 80.0 82.5 80.8

Female 55.0 55.0 52.5 54.2 20.0 20.0 17.5 19.2

2. Religion (% to total)

Hindu 100.0 100.0 95.0 98.3 95.0 97.5 95.0 95.8

Muslim 0.0 0.0 5.0 1.7 5.0 2.5 5.0 4.2

Christian 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Sikh 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

3. Social Group (% to total)

Scheduled Tribe 0.0 10.0 7.5 5.8 2.5 2.5 0.0 1.7

Scheduled Caste 25.0 27.5 25.0 25.8 17.5 20.0 12.5 16.7

Other Backward Class 17.5 15.0 12.5 15.0 17.5 15.0 10.0 14.2

General/Open 55.0 47.5 55.0 52.5 62.5 62.5 77.5 67.5

4. Occupation (%)

Principal

Cultivator 77.5 85.0 67.5 76.7 65.0 77.5 80.0 74.2

AH & Dairying 10.0 7.5 15.0 10.8 17.5 15.0 12.5 15.0

Agri. Labour 12.5 7.5 15.0 11.7 17.5 5.0 7.5 10.0

Nonfarm Labour 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Own Non-Farm Establishment 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Trade 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Employee in Service 0.0 0.0 2.5 0.8 0.0 2.5 0.0 0.8

Other (Specify) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Subsidiary

Cultivator 10.0 7.5 12.5 10.0 17.5 15.0 12.5 15.0

AH & Dairying 90.0 92.5 85.0 89.2 82.5 85.0 87.5 85.0

Agri. Labour 0.0 0.0 2.5 0.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Nonfarm Labour 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Own Non-Farm Establishment 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Trade 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Employee in Service 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Other (Specify) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

5. Average Oper.Land Holding (ha.)

Irrigated 0.22 .27 .28 .26 .34 .38 .45 .39

Un-irrigated 0.02 .03 .02 .02 .01 .01 .02 .01

Total .24 .30 .30 .28 .35 .39 .47 .40

6. Average Experience in Dairy

(years) 14.7 14.2 14.1 14.3 13.8 15.7 16.1 15.2

7. Income Group (%)

BPL 60.0 52.5 47.5 53.3 37.5 37.5 40.0 38.3

APL 40.0 47.5 52.5 46.7 62.5 62.5 60.0 61.7

8. House Structure (%)

Pucca 22.5 25.0 40.0 29.2 22.5 37.5 37.5 32.5

Semi-pucca 22.5 22.5 20.0 21.7 22.5 25.0 25.0 24.2

Kuccha 55.0 52.5 40.0 49.2 55.0 37.5 37.5 43.3

Note: SM-Small, MM-Medium, LM-Large, TM-Total.

Source: Field survey data

Hence, agriculture is still the principal source of livelihood in the selected villages of West

Bengal dominated by the tiny land operators. In the DCS villages the size of average

operated land had been 0.28 hectares in contrast to 0.40 hectares of average operational

land in the NDCS villages. In a sense the farmers of the villages without dairy cooperatives

are marginally better off than their DCS counterparts.

81

Table 4.13: Cropping Pattern of Sample Households (2015-16) (Total Area in ha.)

Seasons/Crops/Categories DCS (n=120) NDCS (n=120)

SM MM LM TM SM MM LM TM

A. Kharif

Paddy 7.54 9.07 9.91 26.52 10.27 12.88 14.08 37.23

Moong 0.06 0.01 0.03 0.10 0.06 0.01 0.03 0.10

Cotton 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.28 0.28 1.03 1.59

Sugarcane 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.03 0.03 0.23 0.29

Jute 0.88 1.41 3.56 5.85 0.75 1.18 1.62 3.55

Vegetables 0.28 0.89 0.73 1.90 0.10 0.00 0.00 0.10

Fodder Crop 1 (Goma) 0.59 0.60 0.34 1.53 0.28 0.66 0.54 1.48

Fodder Crop 2 (Maize) 0.03 0.08 0.03 0.14 0.03 0.00 0.12 0.15

Fodder Crop 3 (Coarse

Cereals) 0.00 0.00 0.65 0.65 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Total Kharif 9.38 12.06 15.25 36.69 11.80 15.04 17.65 44.49

B. Rabi

Paddy 1.20 0.72 1.59 3.51 1.53 1.22 1.13 3.88

Wheat 0.53 0.56 1.43 2.52 0.20 0.27 1.13 1.60

Barley 0.16 0.13 0.09 0.38 0.16 0.13 0.09 0.38

Gram 0.88 1.23 2.25 4.36 1.29 1.31 0.91 3.51

Mustard 0.85 1.10 2.01 3.96 1.76 1.90 2.32 5.98

Lentil 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.16 0.05 0.07 0.28

Potato 1.67 1.84 2.03 5.54 1.93 2.42 2.89 7.24

Vegetables 0.51 1.05 0.92 2.48 0.31 0.32 0.69 1.32

Fodder crops 1 (Grass) 0.18 0.20 0.28 0.66 0.24 0.30 0.79 1.33

Fodder crops 2 (Oat) 0.47 0.47 0.74 1.68 0.30 0.42 0.65 1.37

Total Rabi 6.45 7.30 11.34 25.09 7.88 8.34 10.67 26.89

C. Summer

Paddy 2.11 2.35 3.07 7.53 2.21 2.87 3.81 8.89

Sesame 0.12 0.26 0.35 0.73 0.13 0.00 0.00 0.13

Jute 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.35 0.17 0.18 0.70

Vegetables 0.50 0.40 1.13 2.03 0.21 0.63 0.15 0.99

Fodder Crops 1 (Goma) 0.00 0.32 0.76 1.08 0.07 0.17 0.10 0.34

Fodder Crops 2 (Maize) 0.44 0.32 0.03 0.79 0.21 0.46 0.52 1.19

Fodder Crops 3 (Coarse

Pulses) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.06 0.06 0.12

Total Summer 3.17 3.65 5.34 12.16 3.18 4.36 4.82 12.36

4. Net Cropped Area 9.38 12.06 15.25 36.69 11.80 15.04 17.65 44.49

5. Gross Cropped Area 19.00 23.01 31.93 73.94 22.86 27.74 33.14 83.74

6. Cropping Intensity 202.56 190.80 209.38 201.53 193.73 184.44 187.76 188.22

Note: SM-Small, MM-Medium, LM-Large, TM-Total.

Source: Field survey data

This gets reflected in the household’s position in economic hierarchy of the villages where

household living under the official poverty line (BPL) was more in number in the DCS villages while

61.7 per cent of total household in NDCS villages lived in income group of above the poverty line

(APL).Despite these differences in land holding and income pattern we observed a mixed pattern in

respect of housing structure among the rural households. To mention only that trivial incidence of

Kuccha structure for living is common among families of small and middle size-classes. We may add

that housing pattern does not depend only on one’s economic position but also has an influence of

82

the cultural practice prevailing in the neighbourhood. In villages of West Bengal Kuccha (mud walls

with thatched roof) or Semi-pucca structure (mud walls with tile/tin roof) are very common till date.

4.4.2 Cropping Pattern

Cropping pattern in the DCS and NDCS villages suggested that in Kharif season Paddy is the

main crop being cultivated by the farming families. Small portion of land was devoted to

crops like Jute, Cotton and Fodder crops (Table 4.13) in this season. In Rabi, however,

Potato and Mustard dominated the crop combination. There had been land allotted to

vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage etc. by the households irrespective of presence of dairy

cooperative in the villages. Hence, farming families, however their economic position might

be, tried to grow some vegetables in their land mostly for the market and as well as for

home consumption too. We did find a part of land being allotted to cultivation of fodder

crops like Oats, Course Pulses, and Maize for fodder and cultivation of some varies of grass.

Summer season was once again revealed predominance of Paddy cultivation. So, the general

crop rotation practice throughout the year can be described by Rice followed by Potato and

Mustard followed by Rice once again. As the villages received irrigation for crop cultivation

the cropping intensity was high with 201.53 in the DCS villages that were marginally higher

than that in the NDCS villages (188.22).

4.5 Chapter Summary

In all districts barring South Twenty Four Parganas, the milk unions cover over five hundred

villages in respective districts. Activities of Sundarban MU have been rejuvenated in 2015

and were found to grow in a steady pace during the time of survey.

The number of cooperative societies under the jurisdiction of the milk unions was highest in

Bankura (350) while it was lowest in South Twenty Four Parganas (44). However, the milk

procurement/collection figures reveal that Nadia topping the list with 143.3 lakh kilograms

of liquid milk from the cooperative societies per annum.

As far as milk processing plants are concerned, all the districts of the present study do not

have such plants. Of the four, Bankura, Nadia and North Twenty Four Parganas have milk

processing plants situated in the district. South Twenty Four Parganas does not have such

83

facility. Even in the former three districts the plants generally process liquid milk of various

standards.

On the whole the villages (both DCS and NDCS) in four districts were placed more or less at

par in respect of the basic socio-economic parameters with a little difference among them.

Important was to find two monocropped villages having very poor facilities of irrigation for

agricultural purposes.

In terms of average family size the households the villages of four districts (both DCS and

NDCS villages) reveal similar pattern. The average family size in aggregate was around 4.3-

4.4 in DCS and NDCS villages. Average age of respondents varied between 46.7 to 50 years

while average age of the family was around 37 years.

It was also interesting to find that average age of female respondents was significantly

lower than that of male respondents in all four district irrespective of DCS or not. In the

households under present enquiry the education scenario was found quite dismal.

Population composition in respect of religious groups revealed that in all villages, people

from Hindu religious belief dominate the social scenario of whom people from the

Scheduled and other backward communities are of sizeable proportion in the respective

size-classes. Scheduled Tribes were few in number.

Families in both DCS and NDCS villages were mostly farming families pursuing cultivation as

their principal occupation. Most of the households took up dairy enterprise as their

subsidiary source of income even in the DCS villages.

In the DCS villages the size of average operated land had been 0.28 hectares in contrast to

0.40 hectares of average operational land in the NDCS villages. In a sense the farmers of the

villages without dairy cooperatives are marginally better off than their DCS counterparts.

This gets reflected in the household’s position in economic hierarchy of the villages where

household living under the official poverty line (BPL) was more in number in the DCS villages than

their NDCS counterpart.

The general crop rotation practice throughout the year can be described by Rice followed by

Potato and Mustard followed by Rice once again in Kharif, Rabi and Summer seasons

respectively. As most of the villages received irrigation for crop cultivation, the cropping

intensity was high in the DCS villages as compared to the NDCS villages.

84

Chapter V

Cost of Milk Production & Awareness about the Schemes

5.1 Introduction

In this chapter we shall take up the details of cattle that are being reared by the families of

both DCS and NDCS villages. In the preceding chapter we had discussed about the socio-

economic position of the households in the villages of the four districts and also analysed

their capabilities in association with their size-class identities.

5.2 Breedable Animals

In the study villages, which is also a common feature in the state of West Bengal too, there

still exist a combination of both local, nondescript and cross bred cows as milch animals. In

the study area the cross bred cows were mostly Jersey and Gir. In the DCS villages herd

strength on an average was observed as 8.08 which in case of milch cows had been 3.77

(Table 5.1). Corresponding figures for NDCS villages were 7.68 and 3.63 respectively (Table

5.2). The DCS households seemed to have a marginal edge as compared to their NDCS

counterparts. But when one looks into the details of breeds reared an interesting feature

gets reflected. In DCS villages herd strength of local milch animals are higher than that in the

NDCS villages across all size-classes. But when it comes to rearing of cross bred animals,

NDCS farmers owned more cross bred cow than the former ones. In previous chapter we

had discussed at length about the resource position of the farmer in both DCS and NDCS

villages. There we had observed that the NDCS farmers had a marginal advantage in terms

of their income and resource position in comparison with DCS farmers. Endowment

differential might have had an impact on ownership pattern of types of cattle in the survey

villages. Cross bred cows are costlier than the available local breeds. Hence, farmers

enjoying a relatively better financial position (farmers of NDCS villages) would prefer to

have highly productive cross bred cows to carry out their dairy enterprise. The particular

feature gets reflected in all size-classes. So far as the cattle sheds are concerned NDCS

farmers were found to own more sheds on an average for their cattle than DCS farmers. In

small farm category total shed ownership was same in both types of villages. But as we

85

went along the ownership ladder the NDCS farmers (in both categories of medium and

large) were found to own more of cattle shed than their DCS brothers.

Table 5.1: Details on Herd Strength & Cattle Shed – DCS Households

Particulars Details on Herd Strength & Cattle Shed- West Bengal -DCS (n=120)

Total Animal (No.) Milch Animal (No)

SM MM LM TM SM MM LM TM

Local Cattle 1.61 2.91 5.46 3.40 0.70 1.29 2.54 1.55

Cross Bread 2.91 5.46 8.72 5.75 1.29 2.57 4.22 2.72

Buffalo 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Other 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Total 3.80 7.53 12.90 8.08 1.68 3.48 6.15 3.77

Av. No. of Cattle Shed Present Average value in Rs./shed

Pucca 0.00 0.06 0.00 0.02 NA 3125.00 NA 1063.83

Semi-Pucca 0.46 0.50 0.60 0.52 19615.38 17916.67 20750.00 19432.43

Kuccha 1.06 1.07 1.03 1.05 9629.03 9550.00 11661.29 10288.04

Total 1.00 1.07 1.07 1.04 15218.75 12766.67 21766.67 16554.35

Source: Field Survey Data; NA=Not Applicable

Table 5.2: Details on Herd Strength & Cattle Shed – NDCS Households

Particulars Details on Herd Strength & Cattle Shed- West Bengal -NDCS (n=120)

Total Animal (No) Milch Animal (No)

SM MM LM TM SM MM LM TM

Local Cattle 1.23 2.76 4.44 2.81 .49 1.24 2.15 1.30

Cross Bread 3.07 5.36 10.25 6.28 1.40 2.58 4.97 3.01

Buffalo 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Other 0.00 0.07 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Total 3.50 7.03 12.53 7.68 1.53 3.28 6.08 3.63

Cattle Shed Present Average value in Rs./shed

Pucca 0.00 0.05 0.14 0.07 NA 380.95 9545.45 3573.77

Semi-Pucca 0.21 0.36 0.43 0.34 8913.04 14071.43 17321.43 13721.52

Kuccha 1.17 1.03 1.13 1.11 8494.29 8548.39 9709.68 8900.00

Total 1.00 1.15 1.45 1.21 11235.29 12850.00 18500.00 14350.88

Source: Field Survey Data; NA=Not Applicable

In the survey area we had found only cows that were being reared by the households.

Buffalo milk in general has low acceptability in this part of the country. As is evident from

Table 5.3 that average yield of cross bred cows were substantially higher than the local

cows. However, in the DCS the average yield of milk seemed to be higher than NDCS ones.

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Table 5.3: Details of Animals Breeds for DCS & NDCS

No. Particulars Name of breeds

Av. Yield

(Kg/day)/ Range

DCS NDCS

1 Local Cow Local Non-descript Breeds 1.00 to 6.00 0.00 to 6.50

2 Crossbred Cow Jersey, Gir Cross Breed 1.20 to 14.00 0.70 to 10.00

3 Buffalo NA NA NA

4 Others NA NA NA

Source: Field Survey Data; NA= Not Applicable

Average age of the breedable local cows in the DCS villages was 6 years in aggregate of all

size-classes while for cross bred cow average age had been 5 years. For the NDCS

households, however, average age was found same (6 years for both local cow &cross bred

cow) (Table 5.4 & Table 5.5). Average age at first calving for local cows was higher than the

cross bred cows in both the areas. Lactation order was found more or less same for all

types of farmers with marginal variation among the village clusters and size-classes. Yield

figures revealed that in villages with cooperatives average yield of present lactation had

been marginally higher to that of last lactation in case of local cow as well as for the cross

bred cow. Among NDCS, however, the yield figures did not show much of a change over two

lactations.

Table 5.4: Details of Breedable Animals with DCS Households on Survey Date

No Particulars Animal (DCS)

Local Cow Crossbred Cow

SM MM LM TM SM MM LM TM

1 Av. Age (year) 6 6 6 6 6 5 6 5

2 Av. Age at I st

(Calving Month) 38 38 41 39 31 30 30 30

3 Lactation Order@ 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

4 Lactation Period (Days) 228 219 209 218 226 225 230 227

5 Peak Yield-

Last Lactation 2.50 2.42 2.46 2.46 5.45 4.83 5.34 5.19

Present Lactation 2.83 2.99 2.47 2.74 6.27 5.80 5.56 5.86

6 Total Animals Covered under

Insurance (n=120) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Premium paid (Rs./animal) NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

Government NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

Self NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

Source: Field survey data. NA=Not Applicable

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Table 5.5: Details of Breedable Animals with NDCS Households on Survey Date

No Particulars Animal (NDCS)

Local Cow Crossbred Cow

SM MM LM TM SM MM LM TM

1 Av. Age (year) 7 6 6 6 6 5 6 6

2 Av. Age at I st

(Calving Month) 40 38 41 40 29 32 32 31

3 Lactation Order@ 4 2 3 3 3 3 3 3

4 Lactation Period (Days) 246 208 229 228 197 211 215 208

5 Peak Yield-

Last Lactation 2.73 3.09 3.13 2.98 5.05 5.61 5.52 5.41

Present Lactation 2.88 3.16 2.60 2.86 5.12 5.69 5.50 5.45

6 Total Animals Covered under

Insurance (n=120) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Premium paid (Rs./animal) NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

Government NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

Self NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

Source: Field survey data; NA=Not Applicable

In course of our field visits we observed a dismal scenario as regards to insurance coverage

for the cattle. In none of the villages, be it with dairy cooperative or not, we could locate a

household under the coverage of cattle insurance. Our discussion with administrative

personnel of the dairy cooperatives in this regard pointed towards lack of motivation among

the dairy farmers to avail the benefits of cattle insurance. Under institutional assistance for

purchase of cattle insurance stands mandatory. But the farmers of the present concern

were mostly the small ones with little credibility of institutional finance for purchasing

cattle.

Table 5.6: Season-wise Milk Yield (Per day) of Selected HH 2015-16

No

Season

Season wise Milk Yield (Per day) of Selected HH 2015-16 (Av. Yield (Lit/animal)

Local Cow Crossbred Cow

SM MM LM TM SM MM LM TM

A DCS HH n=120

1 Rainy 3.0 3.2 2.9 3.0 6.1 5.8 5.4 5.7

2 Winter 1.8 2.0 2.0 1.9 3.9 3.8 3.6 3.8

3 Summer 2.5 2.6 2.5 2.5 5.1 4.8 4.5 4.8

B NDCS HH n=120

1 Rainy 3.0 3.4 3.1 3.1 5.6 5.9 4.9 5.5

2 Winter 1.7 1.9 2.0 1.9 3.5 3.7 3.4 3.5

3 Summer 2.6 2.7 2.7 2.6 4.6 4.8 4.2 4.5

Source: Field survey data.

88

As regards to mild yield per day across seasons we found that milk output of cross bred

cows had always been higher than the local cow irrespective of seasons, locational

specificity (i.e. DCS/NDCS) and size-class categories (Table 5.6). This observation was

obvious. Had it been otherwise all the dairy farmers would have opted for local cattle.

5.3 Labour Use Pattern

In the area of the present study the dairy activity is being run by family labour of the

farming families. This is somewhat a general phenomenon in West Bengal too. In view of

the small scale of operation the households do not employ hired labour for dairy activities.

Hence, in DCS as well as in NDCS villages we did not find employment of any hired labour for

dairy operations (Table 5.7 & Table 5.8). It is noteworthy to mention that in DCS villages

across all size-class participation of women family members had been higher both in terms

of number per day as well as hours of involvement in such activities.

Table 5.7: Labour Use Pattern -DCS Households

DCS Involvement of Rural Men and Women in Dairy activities

Sr.

No. No. of Workers / Day Total Hours Worked / Person / Day

Male Female Male Female

SM MM LM TM SM MM LM TM SM MM LM TM SM MM LM TM

A Family

Labours

1 Fodder

Management

1.2 1.3 1.5 1.3 1.6 1.7 1.9 1.7 1.6 2.9 3.6 2.7 2.7 3.1 4.1 3.3

2 Shed

Management

1.3 2.0 1.7 1.6 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.2 1.5 2.2 2.2 1.9 1.7 2.3 3.0 2.3

3 Milking 0.4 0.6 0.6 0.5 1.5 1.3 1.6 1.5 0.2 0.4 0.5 0.4 1.1 1.1 1.4 1.2

4 Animal Health 0.7 0.9 1.0 0.8 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.7 0.7 1.2 0.9 0.8 0.9 1.1 0.9

B Hired Labours

1 Fodder

Management -- - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - -- - - - -

2 Shed

Management -- - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - -- - - - -

3 Milking -- - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - -- - - - -

4 Animal Health -- - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - -- - - - -

C Labour Rate

(Rs./Day)

Male/Female

195.0 195.0 195.0 195.0 182.5 182.5 182.5 182.5 -- - - - - - - - - - -- - - - -

Source: Field Survey Data.

The scenario remained more or less same in the context of NDCS villages too. Here animal

health is taken care of by male members of the households. But in general from animal

feeding to shed cleaning and management and even milking the animals, female members

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of the family play most important role in process of cattle nurturing. Any enterprise of

animal husbandry particularly cattle rearing necessitates day to day love and care. In West

Bengal the rearers are generally small farming families who depend on participation of

family labour. Moreover, as we have discussed in the previous chapter that households of

both DCS and NDCS villages in general were pursuing dairy activities as an additional source

of income, they would rather involve family members rather than employing hired labour.

In such a situation participation of women members becomes one of utmost importance.

Average market wage rate for male and female labour were observed as Rs. 195.00 and Rs.

182.50 respectively.

Table 5.8: Labour Use Pattern -NDCS Households

NDCS Involvement of Rural Men and Women in Dairy activities-NDCS

Sr.

No. No. of Workers / Day Total Hours Worked / Person / Day

Male Female Male Female

SM MM LM TM SM MM LM TM SM MM LM TM SM MM LM TM

A Family

Labours

1 Fodder

Management 1.0 1.4 1.4 1.3 1.8 1.7 2.1 1.9 2.0 3.3 3.6 3.0 2.6 2.6 3.2 2.8

2 Shed

Management 1.4 1.7 1.8 1.6 2.3 2.2 2.3 2.2 1.3 1.9 2.5 1.9 1.7 2.1 2.7 2.2

3 Milking 0.3 0.3 0.5 0.3 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.3 1.2 1.2 1.4 1.3

4 Animal Health 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.7 0.9 1.0 0.9 1.0 1.0 1.5 1.2 0.5 0.8 1.2 0.8

B Hired Labours 1 Fodder

Management -- - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - -- - - - -

2 Shed

Management -- - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - -- - - - -

3 Milking -- - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - -- - - - -

4 Animal Health -- - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - -- - - - -

C Labour Rate

(Rs./Day)

Male/Female

195.0 195.0 195.0 195.0 182.5 182.5 182.5 182.5 -- - - - - - - - - - -- - - - -

Source: Field Survey Data.

5.4 Details on Feed/Fodder and Water

Feed and fodder are very important determinants of the quality and quantity of output from

the cattle. For development of the enterprise optimized use of required feed and fodder are

essential. In face of resource crunch of the respondents economization is also very

important. We had classified fodder into four main categories viz. dry fodder, green fodder,

90

concentrates and supplements. Dry fodder used by the farmers were mainly paddy and

wheat straw and roughages, green fodder comprised of mainly cut grass either from

common land or cultivated grass, maize, coarse pulses etc., concentrates were prepared

cattle feed either supplied by the DCS or purchased from the market while supplements in

most cases were molasses, mustard oil and oil cakes, salt etc.

Table 5.9: Details of Feed and Fodder (at the Time of Survey)

No

Stall-Feeding

Details of Feed and Fodder (at the Time of Survey) (Kg. /day /Animal)

Animal type (Quantity Fed ( Kg))

Local Cows Cross Breed

SM MM LM TM SM MM LM TM

A DCS

1 Dry Fodder 7.5 7.1 8.1 7.6 7.3 7.9 7.8 7.7

2 Green Fodder 9.5 10.6 10.6 10.3 13.0 12.7 11.1 12.2

3 Concentrates 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 0.9 1.1 1.3 1.1

4 Supplements (Gram) 390 432 481 439 380 437 446 423

5 Out feeding Grazing

(No of Hrs./day) 4.0 3.8 3.6 3.8 2.7 2.4 2.5 2.5

B NDCS

1 Dry Fodder 8.2 8.6 8.4 8.4 7.2 8.3 8.2 7.9

2 Green Fodder 10.3 12.5 12.9 11.9 11.3 10.9 11.5 11.2

3 Concentrates 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.0 0.9 1.0 1.0

4 Supplements (Gram) 500 447 477 476 500 420 438 451

5 Out feeding Grazing

(No of hrs./day) 3.6 3.1 3.5 3.4 2.4 2.5 2.5 2.5

Source: Field Survey Data.

It was interesting to find that for local animals NDCS household across all size-classes were

feeding their cattle with more of dry and green fodder and supplements as compared to the

DCS farmers (Table 5.9). In case for concentrates DCS and NDCS farmers were applying

prepared cattle feed in more or less equal quantity. In case of cross bred cow, however,

feeding was higher among the DCS households than their NDCS counterparts. It might be a

case where the DCS households are taking more care of their cross bred animals for a better

return. Out feeding and grazing had been higher among local cattle than the cross bred

ones. Average grazing hours for local cattle was 3.4-3.8 hours while it was 2.5 for cross bred

cattle.

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Table 5.10: Availability of Water for Dairy activities- DCS households

No.

Particulars

Availability of Water for Dairy –DCS (% of response)

Rainy Winter Summer

SM MM LM TM SM MM LM TM SM MM LM TM

A

Sources of Water

Available for

Dairy Purpose

1 Open Well 5.0 5.0 0.0 3.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.5 0.8

2 Tubewell 70.0 75.0 80.0 75.0 75.0 80.0 80.0 78.3 75.0 80.0 77.5 77.5

3 River 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

4 Canal 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

5 Village Talawadi 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

6 Farm Pond 25.0 20.0 20.0 21.7 25.0 20.0 20.0 21.7 25.0 20.0 20.0 21.7

7 Tanker 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Av. Distance

(Meters) 41.4 44.8 29.3 38.7 36.6 44.1 29.0 36.7 37.3 44.1 29.0 36.9

B

Supply of Water

is adequate

1 Yes 100 100 100 100 95.0 95.0 97.5 95.8 95.0 95.0 97.5 95.8

2 No 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 5.0 5.0 2.5 4.2 5.0 5.0 2.5 4.2

C

Water Quality

(Village

talawadi/Tanker)

1 Normal 90.0 95.0 97.5 94.2 95.0 97.5 87.5 93.3 95.0 97.5 97.5 96.7

2 Poor 5.0 2.5 2.5 3.3 0.0 0.0 12.5 4.2 0.0 0.0 2.5 0.8

3 Very Poor 5.0 2.5 0.0 2.5 5.0 2.5 0.0 2.5 5.0 2.5 0.0 2.5

D

Alternative

source of Water

supply in

shortage

None 50.0 45.0 50.0 48.3 52.5 45.0 50.0 49.2 50.0 45.0 50.0 48.3

1 Open Well 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.8

2 TubeWell 50.0 50.0 50.0 51.7 47.5 50.0 50.0 50.8 50.0 50.0 50.0 51.7

3 River 0.0 5.0 0.0 4.2 0.0 5.0 0.0 4.2 0.0 5.0 0.0 4.2

4 Canal 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.3

5 Village Talawadi 0.0 0.0 0.0 4.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 4.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 4.2

6 Farm Pond 0.0 0.0 0.0 5.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 5.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 5.0

7 Tanker 0.0 0.0 0.0 5.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 5.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 5.8

Av. Distance

(Meters) 93.0

146.

4 85.8

109.

6 91.6

146.

4 85.8

109.

4 93.0

146.

4 85.8

109.

6

E

Payment Made

for Water, If any

(Rs)

0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Source: Field Survey Data.

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Table 5.11: Availability of Water for Dairy activities- NDCS households

No.

Particulars

Availability of Water for Dairy –NDCS (% of response)

Rainy Winter Summer

SM MM LM TM SM MM LM TM SM MM LM TM

A

Source of Water

Available for Dairy

Purpose

1 Open Well 2.5 0.0 2.5 1.7 2.5 0.0 2.5 1.7 2.5 0.0 2.5 1.7

2 Tubewell 72.5 80.0 75.0 75.8 72.5 80.0 75.0 75.8 72.5 80.0 75.0 75.8

3 River 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

4 Canal 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

5 Village Talawadi 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

6 Farm Pond 25.0 20.0 22.5 22.5 25.0 20.0 22.5 22.5 25.0 20.0 22.5 22.5

7 Tanker 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Av. Distance (Meters) 31.3 31.5 27.1 29.9 32.3 31.5 27.1 30.3 32.3 31.5 27.1 30.3

B

Supply of Water is

adequate

1 Yes 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100

2 No 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

C

Water Quality

(Village

talawadi/Tanker)

1 Normal 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 90.0 96.7 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

2 Poor 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 10.0 3.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

3 Very Poor 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

D

Alternative source of

Water supply in

shortage

None 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 27.5 25.0 25.0 25.8

1 Open Well 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 5.0 0.0 0.0 1.7 5.0 0.0 0.0 1.7

2 TubeWell 60.0 62.5 62.5 61.7 55.0 62.5 62.5 60.0 52.5 62.5 62.5 59.2

3 River 2.5 0.0 0.0 0.8 2.5 0.0 0.0 0.8 2.5 0.0 0.0 0.8

4 Canal 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

5 Village Talawadi 5.0 12.5 12.5 10.0 5.0 12.5 12.5 10.0 5.0 12.5 12.5 10.0

6 Farm Pond 7.5 0.0 0.0 2.5 7.5 0.0 0.0 2.5 7.5 0.0 0.0 2.5

7 Tanker 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Av. Distance (Meters) 72.8 73.4 75.7 74.0 72.8 73.4 75.7 74.0 72.8 73.4 75.7 74.0

E

Payment Made for

Water, If any (Rs) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Source: Field Survey Data.

Apart from feed and fodder, importance of water is no less in dairy activities. Adequate and

assured supply of good quality of water remains a vital component for improved cattle

health. In the villages of the present study (both DCS & NDCS) normal water of adequate

quantity was reported by the respondents. The main source of water for dairy had been

tube wells supplemented by farm ponds and open wells (Table 5.10 & Table 5.11). Over 70

93

per cent of farmers were observed using tube wells as the primary source of water in DCS

and NDCS villages. About 20-25 per cent reported using ponds as the source of water and

rest using dug wells. In all seasons viz. rainy, winter and summer tube wells turned out to be

the main source from which water was collected. Average distance of water source in DCS

villages had been 29-45 metres while it was 27-32 metres in NDCS villages. So, in general the

dairy farmers in general did not suffer from scarcity of water throughout the year. Main

alternative source had also been tube wells installed at furthest distance less than 150

metres. No payment for water was observed in the study area.

5.5 Details on Veterinary and Breeding Services and Expenditures

Veterinary expenditure figures revealed that most of the animals in DCS and NDCS villages

across size-classes received vaccines like HS, BQ and FMD (Table 5.12 & Table 5.13).

Vaccination among the small size-class had been a little lower as compared with the other

two size-classes. Use of vaccines for cross bred cows was marginally higher than the local

cows. Average expenditure on medicines and doctors was to the tune of Rs. 497.00 for local

cow and Rs. 544.00 for cross bred cows in DCS villages in aggregate. Contrarily, NDCS

villages revealed low expenditure on medicines and doctors for cross bred cow in

comparison with the local ones.

Table 5.12: Details of Veterinary and Breeding Expenditure during last one year DCS

Households No. Particulars

DCS - Veterinary and Breeding Expenditure during Last year (2015-16)

LC CB

SM MM LM TM SM MM LM TM

A Vaccination

HS 10 23 54 87 12 30 50 92

BQ 21 43 92 156 35 80 132 247

FMD 22 42 81 145 25 65 76 166

B Medicines + Doctor(

Rs ) 471 517 499 497 497 554 577 544

C Av. No. of Visit By

Vet./Year 2.7 2.7 2.6 2.7 2.9 3.1 3.1 3.0

D Service

Artificial

Insemination 19 22 27 68 31 35 35 101

Natural service 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

Amount 160 159 158 159 140 147 143 143

E No. of AI Per

conception 2.0 1.9 1.9 2.0 2.0 1.8 2.0 2.0

F Per visit rate paid to

vet. Doctor (Rs/visit 118 124 121 121 122 120 116 119

Source: Field Survey Data

94

Table 5.13 Details of Veterinary and Breeding Expenditure during last one year NDCS

Households

No. Particulars

NDCS - Veterinary and Breeding Expenditure during Last year (2015-16)

LC CB

SM MM LM TM SM MM LM TM

A Vaccination

HS 11 28 69 108 11 21 34 66

BQ 18 43 76 137 33 61 150 244

FMD 17 43 60 120 19 55 96 170

B Medicines +

Doctor( Rs ) 407 441 460 437 448 411 400 419

C Av. No. of Visit

vet./yr 2.5 2.7 2.5 2.6 3.0 2.8 2.9 2.9

D Service

Artificial

Insemination 18 17 21 56 28 30 32 90

Natural service 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 0

Amount 183 172 162 172 140 148 166 152

E No. of AI Per

conception 1.8 1.8 2.0 1.9 1.8 1.9 1.8 1.9

F Per visit paid to

vet. doctor

(Rs/visit )

114 124 100 112 123 135 127 128

Source: Field Survey Data.

In all the villages and across all size-classes of farmers artificial insemination (AI) had been

the main method of conception for the cattle. Cost of AI had been Rs. 140-160 in DCS

villages and Rs. 140-183 in NDCS village with variations among size-classes of farmers. But at

the same time AI proved to be less efficient for the fact that average number of AI per

conception was around 2for both types of villages. So, on the whole we could say that the

farmers had to pay a sizeable amount of money for vaccinating and artificially inseminating

the animals. Payment to veterinary doctors had also been on the higher side paying Rs. 100-

135 per visit with an average number of visits per year being around 3.

5.6 Awareness about the Schemes

Currently there are many schemes imparted by the Government for promotion and

development of the dairy sector and enhancing economic condition of the dairy farmers. In

addition to that funds are allotted through the milk unions for assisting the farmers in their

entrepreneurship. To reap the benefit from such schemes, proper knowledge and

awareness about the schemes is the foremost criterion. In course of the study we had tried

to assess the level of awareness among the farmers as regard to the various assistance

programmes.

95

Table 5.14: Details on Awareness about various schemes

Sr.

No.

Particulars

DCS % of response NDCS % of response

SM MM LM TM SM MM LM TM

1 Awareness about different

Vaccinations

schemes/programmes (%) Yes 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

No 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

2 Awareness about Artificial

Insemination (AI) programmes

(%)-Yes 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

No 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

3 Awareness about any dairy

development

scheme/programmes (%)- Yes 75.00 77.50 95.00 82.50 7.50 37.50 40.00 28.33

No 25.00 22.50 5.00 17.50 92.50 62.50 60.00 71.67

4 Sources of information about

schemes (%)

a) Govt. Animal Husbandry

Department 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

b) Dairy Cooperative/ Milk

Union 72.50 77.50 95.00 81.67 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

c) Media (Press/TV) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

d) Fellow farmer/dairy

owner/neighbor 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 7.50 37.50 40.00 28.33

5. Have you benefited with any

dairy scheme (%) Yes 52.50 60.00 65.00 59.17 - - - -

No 47.50 40.00 35.00 40.83 - - - -

a) If benefited, please provide

following

i) Av. No. of visits to concern

office - - - - - - - -

ii) Wage days lost, if any (Days) - - - - - - - -

iii) Total Expenditure to avail

scheme (doc/travel/etc.) - - - - - - - -

iv) Bribe paid to any one - - - - - - - -

v) Quality of material received

- - - -

Good 92.31 100.0 100.0 100.0 - - - -

Bad 8.33 0.00 0.00 0.00 - - - -

vi)Satisfied with benefit

received (%) -Yes 95.00 82.50 92.50 90.00 - - - -

No 5.00 17.50 7.50 10.00 - - - -

If no, give reason - - - - - - - -

Chicks Died 2.50 0.00 0.00 0.83

Poor Quality 0.00 7.50 7.50 5.00

Small Quantity 2.50 10.00 0.00 4.17

Source: Field Survey Data.

Responses about vaccination and artificial insemination were similar in both types of villages

and across all size-classes of farmers. We have already observed in the preceding section

that the households were quite conscious about vaccinating their cattle. And artificial

insemination had been a common practice across all villages. Hence, knowledge and

96

awareness regarding these had been to the fullest extent. In all villages irrespective of

DCS/NDCS and milch animal size-class the farmers had a complete knowledge about such

schemes (Table 5.14). But when the question boiled down to awareness about other

schemes there was sharp contrast between the farmers of DCS and NDCS villages. Over 70

per cent of the dairy farmers in cooperative village responded in affirmative as regard to

their knowledge about other dairy development scheme though level of awareness

increased with increase in the size-class category. In aggregate 82.5 per cent of the total

farmers in DCS category were found aware about other schemes. On the contrary, situation

in the NDCS villages was rather gloomy with a meager 28.3 per cent awareness among

farmers of all size-classes. In these villages too, knowledge among small farmers was poor as

compared to their middle and large counterparts. For the DCS farmers’ knowledge had been

imparted by the milk cooperatives functioning in the area. In addition, personnel from milk

unions have played crucial role in informing the farmers about the schemes. For the NDCS

farmers, however, source of their awareness had been fellow farmers and neighbours.

Most of the benefitted farmers seemed to be satisfied with the assistance they received

through the several schemes and reported quality of the material had been up to their

expectation.

5.7 Cost of Milk Production

To assess profitability of the dairy enterprise information on cost and returns per animal per

day were collected. Total cost comprised of cost on feed and fodder, labour cost and

veterinary cost. As in all the villages the dairy farms are run solely by family labour, we had

imputed the value of family labour with ruling wages rates for male and female. It is

observed that labour cost has been the main component of total cost in all cases. Among

DCS households, imputed value of family labour was to the tune of 58.4 per cent of total

cost for local cows and 56.9 per cent in case of cross bred cows (Table 5.15). The proportion

of labour component, however, was found decreasing with increase in the size-class.

97

Table 5.15: Cost of Cow Milk Production and Net Returns- DCS households

Sr.

No. Particulars

DCS- Cost of Milk Production –Cow

LC CB

SM MM LM TM SM MM LM TM

1 Total Dry Fodder

(Rs./Animal/Day)

16.0 15.3 17.1 16.2 15.6 16.7 16.6 16.4

(7.2) (9.7) (12.6) (9.7) (8.0) (10.3) (12.1) (10.0)

2 Total Green Fodder

(Rs./Animal/Day)

12.0 13.6 13.1 12.9 16.3 16.0 13.9 15.4

(5.4) (8.6) (9.6) (7.7) (8.4) (9.9) (10.1) (9.4)

3 Total Concentrates

(Rs./Animal/Day)

19.1 19.9 18.8 19.2 15.0 17.9 20.6 18.0

(8.6) (12.6) (13.8) (11.5) (7.7) (11.0) (14.9) (11.0)

4 Total Supplements

(Rs./Animal/Day)

16.0 17.7 19.7 18.0 15.6 17.9 18.3 17.3

(7.2) (11.2) (14.5) (10.8) (8.0) (11.0) (13.3) (10.6)

5 Total feed & fodder

(Rs./Animal/Day)

63.0 66.5 68.7 66.4 62.5 68.5 69.5 67.1

(28.5) (42.2) (50.6) (39.7) (32.2) (42.3) (50.4) (41.1)

6 Total Labour

(Rs./Day)

Male (Rs./Day)

50.3 40.0 28.6 38.5 55.8 45.1 30.1 43.1

(22.8) (25.4) (21.0) (23.0) (28.8) (27.8) (21.8) (26.4)

Female (Rs./Day)

104.5 47.7 35.3 59.3 72.6 45.2 34.9 49.8

(47.3) (30.3) (25.9) (35.4) (37.4) (27.9) (25.4) (30.5)

Total

154.8 87.7 63.8 97.8 128.5 90.3 65.0 92.9

(70.1) (55.7) (47.0) (58.4) (66.2) (55.7) (47.2) (56.9)

7 Veterinary Cost

(Rs./Animal/Day)

3.0 3.3 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.3

(1.4) (2.1) (2.2) (1.8) (1.6) (2.0) (2.5) (2.0)

8 Total Cost

(Rs./Animal/Day)

220.8 157.5 135.9 167.4 194.1 162.1 137.9 163.2

(100.0) (100.0) (100.0) (100.0) (100.0) (100.0) (100.0) (100.0)

9 Milk Production

(Litre/Animal) 2.6 2.8 2.5 2.6 5.9 5.6 5.6 5.7

10 Price (Rs. /litre) 24.9 24.8 24.5 24.7 24.1 24.2 24.1 24.1

11

Returns from

Milk Production

(Production*Avg

Price)

63.3 69.6 60.8 64.3 139.8 134.0 132.8 135.3

12 Income from Dung

(Rs./Animal/Day) 35.8 35.9 36.6 36.2 43.3 44.8 44.4 44.2

13 Total Income

(Rs./Animal/Day) 99.1 105.5 97.4 100.5 183.2 178.8 177.2 179.5

14 Net Return/Profit

(RS./Animal/Day) -121.8 -52.0 -38.5 -66.9 -10.9 16.7 39.3 16.3

15

Net Return/Profit

without imputed

value of fam.lab.

(Rs./Animal/Day)

33.1 35.8 25.3 30.9 117.5 107.0 104.3 109.2

Source: Field Survey Data.

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Table 5.16: Cost of Cow Milk Production and Net Returns- NDCS households

Sr.

No. Particulars

NDCS- Cost of Milk Production -Cow

LC CB

SM MM LM TM SM MM LM TM

1 Total Dry Fodder

(Rs./Animal/Day)

18.6 18.4 17.9 18.2 15.0 17.7 17.5 16.8

(7.6) (10.9) (13.2) (10.3) (6.7) (11.2) (12.7) (9.9)

2 Total Green Fodder

(Rs./Animal/Day)

13.1 15.7 16.3 15.2 13.9 13.7 14.4 14.0

(5.3) (9.3) (12.1) (8.6) (6.2) (8.7) (10.5) (8.3)

3 Total Concentrates

(Rs./Animal/Day)

15.1 18.1 17.7 17.1 15.6 15.0 16.6 15.7

(6.2) (10.7) (13.1) (9.7) (7.0) (9.5) (12.1) (9.3)

4 Total Supplements

(Rs./Animal/Day)

20.5 18.2 19.5 19.4 20.5 17.2 17.9 18.4

(8.3) (10.8) (14.5) (11.0) (9.2) (10.9) (13.1) (10.9)

5 Total feed & fodder

(Rs./Animal/Day)

67.3 70.4 71.4 69.9 64.9 63.6 66.4 65.0

(27.4) (41.6) (52.9) (39.6) (29.2) (40.4) (48.4) (38.4)

6 Total Labour (Rs./Day)

Male (Rs./Day)

48.7 46.3 28.9 39.9 74.9 48.9 36.5 52.1

(19.9) (27.4) (21.4) (22.6) (33.7) (31.0) (26.6) (30.7)

Female (Rs./Day)

126.5 49.6 32.0 63.8 79.8 42.0 31.5 49.3

(51.6) (29.3) (23.7) (36.2) (35.8) (26.7) (22.9) (29.1)

Total

175.2 95.9 60.9 103.7 154.7 90.9 67.9 101.4

(71.4) (56.7) (45.1) (58.8) (69.5) (57.7) (49.5) (59.9)

7 Veterinary Cost

(Rs./Animal/Day)

2.8 2.9 2.8 2.8 3.0 3.1 3.0 3.0

(1.1) (1.7) (2.0) (1.6) (1.3) (1.9) (2.2) (1.8)

8 Total Cost

(Rs./Animal/Day)

245.3 169.2 135.0 176.4 222.6 157.5 137.3 169.4

(100.0) (100.0) (100.0) (100.0) (100.0) (100.0) (100.0) (100.0)

9 Milk Production

(Litre/Animal) 2.6 3.3 2.8 2.9 4.8 5.7 5.7 5.4

10 Price (Rs. /litre) 23.8 23.0 22.3 23.0 22.1 22.6 22.7 22.5

11

Returns from

Milk Production

(Production*Avg

Price)

61.1 74.4 61.1 65.3 105.4 128.5 127.7 121.4

12 Income from Dung

(Rs./Animal/Day) 37.7 38.4 36.9 37.6 43.4 43.5 44.2 43.7

13 Total Income

(Rs./Animal/Day) 98.8 112.9 98.0 102.9 148.8 171.9 171.9 165.1

14 Net Return/Profit(

RS./Animal/Day) -146.6 -56.4 -37.0 -73.5 -73.8 14.5 34.6 -4.3

15

Net Return/Profit

without imputed value

of fam.lab.

(Rs./Animal/Day)

28.7 39.5 23.8 30.1 79.4 105.3 102.5 96.4

Source: Field Survey Data.

A similar pattern was observed in the NDCS households too where the labour cost had been

observed as 58.8 per cent and 59.9 per cent in aggregate for localand cross bred cows

respectively (Table 5.16).On the other hand the quantum of milk production per animal per

99

day was higher for cross bred cow than local ones. The DCS villages had a marginal edge in

terms of milk output from cross bred cows over NDCS ones while the contrary was observed

in case of local breeds. The prices offered by the private agents were lower than the prices

paid by the local dairy cooperatives.

Coming to the question of net returns per day per animal, which is of foremost importance

for the enterprise, we are faced with a situation where farmers were incurring heavy losses.

Barring only two categories of middle and large farmers rearing cross bred cows in both

types of villages all other farmers were suffering sizeable amount of net losses per day. It is

a fact that cross bred cows offer more milk as compared to the local non-descript varieties.

The small farmers owning one cross bred cow or at most two could not find it economical

from the point of profitability. At the same time we must take note of the fact that most of

the households in either DCS or NDCS villages were pursuing dairy activities as their

subsidiary source of income and managing them solely with participation of family labours.

Family labour, when employed in the activities, does not consider the optimization criterion

for maximization of profit from the enterprise. This remains true for the owned agriculture

too. Over optimal use of family labour, when imputed with market wage rates got inflated

and ended in showing heavy losses from the dairy business. In addition, the opportunity

cost of labour particularly of women from relatively higher ethnic strata of the rural society

seems to be very poor. Moreover, social and cultural practices that prevail in the agrarian

society restrict them from opting for economic employment outside the domestic

periphery.

But if the imputed value of labour gets deducted from total cost the households across

each and every size-class and for all types of cows earned substantial positive profit per day

per animal which again might not be the real scenario. The actual profit earning might be

lying somewhere between the two poles. But at this juncture, on the basis of availed data, it

could be asserted that rearing of cross bred cows as dairy enterprise were profitable than

nurturing of local non-descript breeds.

5.8 Chapter Summary

In DCS villages herd strength of local milch animals are higher than that in the NDCS villages

across all size-classes. But when it comes to rearing of cross bred animals, NDCS farmers

100

owned more cross bred cow than the former ones. So far as the cattle sheds are concerned

NDCS farmers were found to own more sheds on an average for their cattle than DCS

farmers.

Average yield of cross bred cows were substantially higher than the local cows. However, in

the DCS the average yield of milk seemed to be higher than NDCS ones.

Average age of the breedable local cows in the DCS villages was 6 years in aggregate of all

size-classes while for cross bred cow average age had been 5 years. Average age at first

calving for local cows was higher than the cross bred cows in both the areas. Lactation

order was found more or less same for all types of farmers with marginal variation among

the village clusters and size-classes.

A dismal scenario was observed as regards to insurance coverage for the cattle.

Milk output of cross bred cows had always been higher than the local cow irrespective of

seasons, locational specificity (i.e. DCS/NDCS) and size-class categories.

In both DCS and NDCS villages no hired labour had been employed for dairy operations. It is

noteworthy to mention that in DCS villages across all size-class participation of women

family members had been higher both in terms of number per day as well as hours of

involvement in such activities. Moreover they had been members of DCS too.

NDCS household across all size-classes were feeding their cattle with more of dry and green

fodder and supplements as compared to the DCS farmers. In case for concentrates DCS and

NDCS farmers were applying prepared cattle feed in more or less equal quantity. In case of

cross bred cow, however, feeding was higher among the DCS households than their NDCS

counterparts. Average grazing hours for local cattle was 3.4-3.8 hours while it was 2.5 for

cross bred cattle.

In the villages of the present study (both DCS & NDCS) normal water of adequate quantity

was reported by the respondents. The main source of water for dairy had been tube wells

supplemented by farm ponds and open wells.

Most of the animals in DCS and NDCS villages across size-classes received vaccines like HS,

BQ and FMD. Vaccination among the small size-class had been a little lower as compared

with the other two size-classes. Use of vaccines for cross bred cows was marginally higher

101

than the local cows. Artificial insemination (AI) had been the main method of conception for

the cattle.

Knowledge and awareness regarding vaccination and AI schemes had been to the fullest

extent. But when the question boiled down to awareness about other schemes there was

sharp contrast between the farmers of DCS and NDCS villages. For the DCS farmers

knowledge had been imparted by the milk cooperatives and milk unions functioning in the

area. For the NDCS farmers, however, source of their awareness had been fellow farmers

and neighbours.

Most of the benefitted DCS farmers seemed to be satisfied with the assistance they received

through the several schemes and reported quality of the material had been up to their

expectation.

For calculating cost and returns we had imputed the value of family labour with ruling

wages rates for male and female. It is observed that labour cost has been the main

component of total cost in all cases. The proportion of labour component, however, was

found decreasing with increase in the size-class of both DCS and NDCS villages. The prices

offered by the private agents were lower than the prices paid by the local dairy

cooperatives.

Coming to the question of net returns per day per animal, we are faced with a situation

where farmers were incurring heavy losses. Barring only two categories of middle and large

farmers rearing cross bred cows in both types of villages all other farmers were suffering

sizeable amount of net losses per day. But if the imputed value of labour gets deducted

from total cost the households across each and every size-class and for all types of cows

earned substantial positive profit per day per animal.

102

Chapter VI

Milk Consumption and Marketable Surplus

6.1 Introduction

We have so far been engaged in discussing various aspects of cattle rearing and production

of milk. But as we all know that liquid milk is a highly perishable output hence it needs

proper care for preservation and marketing. Moreover, preparation of milk products adds

value to the basic output and has larger market opportunities. In West Bengal, however, the

Government run milk processing plants are few in number and have little opportunities of

product diversification. Apart from that there are innumerable private middlemen who play

a very important role in supplying milk and some basic milk products like Paneer, Curd etc.

to the consumers in the townships and cities. There local and faraway sweetshops also

depend on these middlemen for uninterrupted supply of milk and products for their own

use in preparing sweets.

Though we have already seen that the local vendors pay less to the farmers than the

cooperatives, nonetheless farmers having no cooperative in the vicinity prefer to sell their

product to the middlemen. Moreover, the local vendors collect the milk from the door step

of the farmer and one does not have to commute to the milk procurement point. The price

offered by the vendors does not depend on the fat content in the milk supplied by the

households.

But even after such advantages that are given by the private vendors the farmers who have

the opportunity of having milk cooperative in neighbourhood choose to be a member of the

one.

Presently, we shall be discussing these issues on the basis of out observations at the field

level.

6.2 Use of Milk at Home and Processing

In course of the village survey data as regard to production and use of milk by the

households was collected. In the DCS households data for milk drawn per animal per day

revealed that the quantity of milk drawn per local cow was 2.64 litres for the DCS village

103

while it had been 5.65 litres for cross bred cow. For NDCS households, however, quantities

were to the tune of 2.93 litres and 5.45 litres respectively (Table 6.1 and Table 6.2). In case

of local cattle NDCS households were drawing more milk from cow while milk from cross

bred cow was greater among DCS households.

Table 6.1: Production and Use of Milk by selected DCS Households (day of visit)

Sr.

No. Particulars

Local Cow Crossbred Cow

SM MM LM TM SM MM LM TM

1 Milk Drawn

Lit/animal

2.59 2.83 2.54 2.64 5.87 5.55 5.56 5.65

2 Use of Milk at Home

(lit)

11.30 11.70 13.00 36.00 18.50 18.00 16.70 53.20

% Milk used at

Home

19.96 17.70 18.95 18.82 10.27 8.71 8.43 9.10

For Direct

Consumption (%)

84.07 82.05 92.31 86.39 77.30 44.44 37.13 53.57

For Processing (%)

15.93 17.95 7.69 13.61 22.70 55.56 62.87 46.43

3 Raw/Liquid Milk

sold (Lit)

45.30 54.40 55.60 155.30 161.70 188.70 181.30 531.70

% to total

production

80.04 82.30 81.05 81.18 89.73 91.29 91.57 90.90

Source: Field Survey Data.

Table 6.2: Production and Use of Milk by selected NDCS Households (day of visit)

Sr.

No. Particulars

Local Cow Crossbred Cow

SM MM LM TM SM MM LM TM

1 Milk Drawn

Lit/animal

2.74 3.30 2.82 2.93 4.87 5.71 5.68 5.45

2 Use of Milk at Home

(lit)

16.00 8.80 21.20 46.00 19.30 14.50 11.00 44.80

% Milk used at Home

27.59 15.49 30.59 24.99 14.89 8.43 6.07 9.28

For Direct

Consumption (%)

60.00 56.82 58.49 58.70 76.68 72.41 69.09 73.44

For Processing (%)

40.00 43.18 41.51 41.30 23.32 27.59 30.91 26.56

3 Raw/Liquid Milk sold

(Lit)

42.00 48.00 48.10 138.10 110.30 157.50 170.30 438.10

% to total production 72.41 84.51 69.41 75.01 85.11 91.57 93.93 90.72

Source: Field Survey Data.

General practice among the farmers of all categories was to sell out bulk of the liquid milk.

In the DCS villages over 80 per cent of total milk production from local cow was sold while

the corresponding percentage for cross bred milk was to the tune of over 90 per cent. In the

NDCS case proportion of milk sold accounted for 75 per cent and about 91 per cent

104

respectively. It was interesting to note that in both cases milk of cross bred cow was sold

directly in greater proportion than the milk of local cow. This in a way points towards

household’s preference for milk of the local cow for their own consumption. This gets

corroborated from the data on usage of milk at home from two different varieties of cattle.

The DCS households preferred cross bred milk for processing while NDCS preferred milk of

local cow for such preparations. There was not much of a difference among the size-classes

except for the fact that the large farmers of DCS villages had a strong preference for milk

from local cow for direct consumption at home.

6.3 Sale of Milk and Cost of Milk Marketing

It is evident from Table 6.3 and Table 6.4 that bulk of the milk produced by the DCS farmer

across all size-classes and breed were disposed at dairy cooperatives. In all size-class

categories the percentage of sale to DCS accounted for over 85 per cent. For NDCS farmers,

however, proportion of total sales to the same tune had been given to the private vendors

and middlemen. The DCS households were found selling a small quantum directly to local

customers. Middle and large farmers rearing local cattle and small and large producers

rearing cross breed had their own marketing in a meagre proportion. Private vendors and

local sweet shops also had a marginal share of total sale of cross breed milk by the DCS

farmers. The price offered by cooperatives had always been higher than the price offered by

the private ones. Price paid by the DCS had been Rs. 24.91 per litre for local cow’s milk and

Rs. 24.38 for cross breed milk while price offered by private vendors and sweet shops or

even direct customers was around Rs. 22-23 per litres. Payments by DCS were generally

transferred to suppliers’ bank accounts on weekly basis whereas payments from local

vendors were received after a month. However, no reasons were reported by the farmers as

to their disposal with avenues other than DCS.

105

Table 6.3: Sale of Milk and Cost of Milk Marketing- DCS Households

Sr.

No

Particulars DCS HH- Sale of Milk and Cost of Milk Marketing

Local Cow Crossbred Cow

SM MM LM TM SM MM LM TM

1 Milk Sold (% to total

prod 80.04 82.30 81.05 81.18 89.73 91.29 91.57 90.90

2 Agencies

A DCS

Milk Sold (% to total

sale) 94.48 94.85 85.79 91.50 86.64 91.10 88.75 88.94

Price (Rs./Lit 24.95 25.00 24.79 24.91 24.29 24.59 24.24 24.38

Payment (%) - - - - - - - -

Daily - - - - - - - -

Weekly 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

Monthly - - - - - - - -

Half Monthly - - - - - - - -

Distance (Kms) 0.55 0.40 0.48 0.48 0.42 0.50 0.46 0.46

Transport Cost (Rs.) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.06 0.00 0.02

B Consumer

Milk Sold (% to total

sale) - 5.15 14.21 6.89 3.40 - 2.76 1.97

Price Rs./Lit - 21.50 22.23 22.05 23.00 - 22.20 22.60

Payment (%) - - - - - - - -

Daily - - - - - - - -

Weekly - - - - - - - -

Monthly - 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 - 100.0 100.0

Half Monthly - - - - - - - -

Distance (Kms) - 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.50 - 0.00 0.25

Transport Cost (Rs.) - 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 - 0.00 0.00

C Private vendor

/Middlemen

Milk Sold (% to total

sale) 5.52 - - 1.61 2.47 6.04 - 2.90

Price Rs./Lit 23.00 - - 23.00 21.50 21.43 - 21.45

Payment (%) - - - - - - - -

Daily - - - - - - - -

Weekly - - - - - - - -

Monthly 100.0 - - 100.0 100.0 100.0 - 100.0

Half Monthly - - - - - - - -

Distance (Kms) 0.00 - - 0.00 0.00 0.07 - 0.05

Transport Cost (Rs.) 0.00 - - 0.00 0.00 0.00 - 0.00

D Sweet Shops

Milk Sold (% to total

sale) - - - - 7.48 2.86 8.49 6.19

Price Rs./Lit - - - - 23.25 21.50 22.77 22.72

Payment - - - - - - - -

Daily - - - - - - - -

Weekly - - - - - - - -

Monthly - - - - 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

Half Monthly - - - - - - - -

Distance (Kms) - - - - 0.30 0.30 0.27 0.28

Transport Cost (Rs.) - - - - 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

G members did not

sale milk to dairy

reasons NR NR NR

NR NR NR

Source: Field survey data; NR-Not Reported.

106

Table 6.4: Sale of Milk and Cost of Milk Marketing- NDCS Households

Sr.

No

Particulars NDCS HH- Sale of Milk and Cost of Milk Marketing

Local Cow Crossbred Cow

SM MM LM TM SM MM LM TM

1 Milk Sold (% to

total prod 72.41 84.51 69.41 75.01 85.11 91.57 93.93 90.72

2 Agencies

A DCS

Milk Sold (% to

total sale)

23.81 22.08 - 14.92 - - - -

Price (Rs./Lit 25.00 24.50 - 24.75 - - - -

Payment (%) - - - - - - - -

Daily - - - - - - - -

Weekly 100.0 100.0 - 100.0 - - - -

Monthly - - - - - - - -

Half Monthly - - - - - - - -

Distance (Kms) 0.75 0.75 - 0.75 - - - -

Transport Cost

(Rs.) 0.00 0.00 - 0.00 - - - -

B Consumer

Milk Sold (% to

total sale) - - - - - - - -

Price Rs./Lit - - - - - - - -

Payment (%) - - - - - - - -

Daily - - - - - - - -

Weekly - - - - - - - -

Monthly - - - - - - - -

Half Monthly - - - - - - - -

Distance (Kms) - - - - - - - -

Transport Cost

(Rs.) - - - - - - - -

C Private Vendor

Middlemen

Milk Sold (% to

total sale)

76.19 77.92 100.00 85.08 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

Price Rs./Lit 22.89 22.82 22.32 22.64 21.94 22.63 22.69 22.45

Payment (%) - - - - - - - -

Daily - - - - - - - -

Weekly - - - - - - - -

Monthly 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

Half Monthly - - - - - - - -

Distance (Kms) 0.00 0.40 0.25 0.21 0.00 0.01 0.03 0.01

Transport Cost

(Rs.) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

D Sweet Shops

Milk Sold (% to

total sale) - - - - - - - -

Price Rs./Lit - - - - - - - -

Payment - - - - - - - -

Daily - - - - - - - -

Weekly - - - - - - - -

Monthly - - - - - - - -

Half Monthly - - - - - - - -

Distance (Kms) - - - - - - - -

Transport Cost

(Rs.) - - - - - - - -

Source: Field survey data.

107

Non DCS farmers, on the other hand, depended on private vendors and middlemen for

disposal of milk though at a lower price offered by the PDCS. A few non-members were

found disposing a part of their output from local cow at the nearest procurement point of

local dairy cooperative. However, no direct sale to consumers or sweet shops was observed

in case of NDCS farmers. Cross Breed milk was totally procured by the middlemen.

6.4 Handling of Income from Dairying

As we have observed in the preceding chapter that participation of family members

particularly women were of crucial importance for dairy farming at the family level. Our

sample consisted of families which in no way were in position to employ hired labour for

their enterprise.

Table 6.5: Details about Income received from Dairying and its use

Sr.

No

Particulars

Who receives the income Income spent on (share in approx.)

Family Exp Animal Feed & Health

SM MM LM TM SM MM LM TM SM MM

I DCS

A Income from dairy (sale of milk )

1 Male 22.50 25.00 25.00 24.17

54.75 53.63 55.68 45.25 46.38 44.33 2 Female 37.50 25.00 30.00 30.83

3 Both 40.00 50.00 45.00 45.00

B Income from sale of products

1 Male 0.00 2.50 0.00 0.83

83.75 73.33 0.00 16.25 26.67 0.00 2 Female 7.50 5.00 0.00 4.17

3 Both 2.50 0.00 0.00 0.83

4 N.A. 90.00 92.50 100.00 94.17

C Income sale of dung /FYM

1 Male 5.00 12.50 10.00 9.17

44.38 40.25 52.38 55.63 59.75 47.63 2 Female 80.00 75.00 62.50 72.50

3 Both 15.00 12.50 27.50 18.33

II NDCS

A Income from dairy (sale of milk )

1 Male 27.50 27.50 32.50 29.17

57.00 52.00 54.53 43.00 48.00 45.48 2 Female 40.00 35.00 35.00 36.67

3 Both 32.50 37.50 32.50 34.17

B Income from sale of products

1 Male 0.00 2.50 2.50 1.67

44.00 12.50 27.22 56.00 87.50 72.78 2 Female 22.50 17.50 20.00 20.00

3 Both 2.50 0.00 0.00 0.83

4 N.A. 75.00 80.00 77.50 77.50

C Income sale of dung /FYM

1 Male 10.00 17.50 12.50 13.33

52.00 47.29 47.71 48.00 52.71 52.29 2 Female 57.50 52.50 47.50 52.50

3 Both 20.00 17.50 27.50 21.67

4 N.A. 12.50 12.50 12.50 12.50

Source: Field Survey Data.

108

At the same time in the districts we came across primary dairy cooperatives being run by

women in general. Particularly in the districts of North and South Twenty Four Parganas

participation of women in decision making at the household level as well as DCS level had

been at a considerable extent. In other districts too, female members of families were of

utmost importance for dairy enterprises. This gets reflected in Table 6.5 where it is found

that over 70 per cent of the DCS families in aggregate reported involvement of women

members while receiving the income from sale of milk. Women solely accounted for around

31 per cent while spouse together accounted for 45 per cent. The feature is observed in all

size-class categories. As far as income from sale of cow dung, cow dung cakes and farm yard

manure, women had almost unquestionable authority of receiving the income. In NDCS

households too, women had their fair share in decision making in dairy enterprises.

When we look into the data as to the distribution of income received from dairy into family

expenses vis-à-vis expenses incurred for animal feed and health, an interesting feature is

observed. When sales proceeds of liquid milk was concerned, which had been the main

source of dairy income, household spent more on family maintenance rather than diverting

the money to meet expenses of dairy activities. This was a feature observed in DCS as well

as in NDCS villages. Contrarily, income from dung sale was switched towards upkeep of the

cattle herd in greater proportions with some variations within size-classes.

6.5 Problems in Milk Marketing

There have been continuous attempts for development of milk sector and improving the

conditions of milk producers in the state. But it is evident from the present study that small

producers operating at family level dominated the scenario. Hence, it remained mostly

unorganized. The milk cooperatives in every district were found to operate but they were

too small in number to wrap the large number of small milk producers in respective areas.

Moreover, their procurement capacity had been rather small as compared to the supply of

liquid milk.

At the same time there operated small private vendors who generally collected milk from

producer’s door step. It would be almost impossible for the little producers to sell their

109

output without these intermediaries. Innumerable small producers were in no position to

have a control over market price.

Over and above all, there existed acute problem of milk adulteration and malpractice by the

small private players as complained by some of the DCS members.

6.6 Chapter Summary

In the DCS households data for milk drawn per animal per day revealed that the quantity of

milk drawn per local cow was 2.64 litres for the DCS village while it had been 5.65 litres for

cross bred cow. For NDCS households, however, quantities were to the tune of 2.93 litres

and 5.45 litres respectively.

General practice among the farmers of all categories was to sell out bulk of the liquid milk. It

was interesting to note that in both cases milk of cross bred cow was sold directly in greater

proportion than the milk of local cow. This in a way points towards household’s preference

for milk of the local cow for their own consumption.

In all size-class categories the percentage of sale to DCS accounted for over 85 per cent. For

NDCS farmers, however, proportion of total sales, being around 85 per cent, had been given

to the private vendors and middlemen.

The price offered by cooperatives had always been higher than the price offered by the

private ones. Payments by DCS were generally transferred to suppliers’ bank accounts on

weekly basis whereas payments from local vendors were received after a month.

Involvement of women members in receiving income from sale of milk was found in both

DCS and NDCS families. As far as income from sale of cow dung, cow dung cakes and farm

yard manure, women had almost unquestionable authority of receiving the income in both

types of villages.

Share of expenses for family maintenance had been higher in comparison with the share of

expenses for dairy activities from sales proceeds of milk. However, income from dung sale

was switched towards upkeep of the cattle herd in greater proportion with some inter size-

class variations.

110

The milk cooperatives, though operating in every district, were too small in number to wrap

the large number of small milk producers in respective areas. Moreover, their procurement

capacity had been rather small as compared to the supply of liquid milk. And these

cooperatives were faced with competition from the enumerable private intermediaries who

collected the milk from producer’s door steps.

Over and above all, there existed acute problem of milk adulteration and malpractice by the

small private players as complained by some of the DCS members.

111

Chapter VII

Constrains faced in Production and Marketing of Milk and

Suggestions

7.1 Introduction:

In this chapter we are concerned with the constraints that were being faced by the milk

producers in course of their entrepreneurship. On one hand, hindrance might have been in

the production process due to insufficiency of service delivery, infrastructural inadequacy,

and economic stringency and so on. On the other, there might be hurdles in marketing of

the output by the farmers. Nature and extent of various constraints faced by the farmers as

well as their suggestions in this regard was recorded in course of our field survey. The

results are being discussed in this chapter for DCS and NDCS households.

7.2 Service Delivery System

Efficacy in service delivery of input and output is one of the main determinants for

successful and profitable operation of animal husbandry in general and dairy enterprise in

particular. Adequacy and timeliness in supplying cattle feed, veterinary services including

artificial insemination, proper vaccination to check disease outbreak are important

components of input service delivery. On the other hand it is a fact that the primary output

of dairy sector i.e. liquid milk is a highly perishable commodity and hence needs proper and

efficient output delivery system whether been provided by the government/cooperative

societies or the private players in this sector. At the same time the economics of this

enterprise i.e. profitability from dairy business is of primary concern to the farmers.

Assistance to the farmers in respect of input and output delivery should be such that the

farmers could make it a profitable business proposition.

It is in this light we take up the present section considering farmers from the DCS as well as

NDCS villages analyzing their experience as regards to input and output delivery system.

112

Table 7.1: Details of Input and Output Service Delivery experienced by DCS households No

Particulars

Service Provider (% of response) - DCS

PDCS Agent Private agent

SM MM LM TM SM MM LM TM SM MM LM TM

A Input Delivery (%)

1 Supply of Cattle Feed

Adequate 33.3 0.0 0.0 22.5 - - - - 23.1 37.5 17.1 26.3

Inadequate 66.7 100.0 100.0 77.5 - - - - 76.9 62.5 82.9 73.8

Not Available - - - - - - - - - - -

2 Cattle feed & fodder seed

on Credit

Available 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 - - - - 59.1 63.3 65.4 62.8

Not Available 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 - - - - 40.9 36.7 34.6 37.2

3 Cost of cattle feed &

mineral mixture

High 9.1 0.0 0.0 6.7 - - - - 100.0 100.0 84.6 94.3

ok 90.9 100.0 100.0 93.3 - - - - 0.0 0.0 15.4 5.7

Not Available

4 Emergency Veterinary

Services (EVS)

Available 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 - - - - 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

Not Available 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 - - - - 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Charges for EVS

High - - - - - - - - 100.0 92.5 92.5 95.0

Medium - - - - - - - - 0.0 7.5 7.5 5.0

Low - - - - - - - - 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Rs/Visit - - - - - - - -

5 Vaccines

Adequate 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 - - - - 5.0 0.0 0.0 1.7

Inadequate 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 - - - - 95.0 100.0 100.0 98.3

Not Available 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 - - - - 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

6

Delivery &applications of

quality & requisite quantity

of vaccines

Yes - - - - - - - - 5.0 0.0 0.0 1.7

No - - - - - - - - 95.0 100.0 100.0 98.3

7 Semen at the AI centre

Adequate - - - - - - - - 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Inadequate - - - - - - - - 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

Not Available - - - - - - - - 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

8

Provision of loan in society

or govt. for Purchasing

cattle

Adequate 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 - - - - 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Inadequate 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 - - - - 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Not Available 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 - - - - 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

9 Charges for insurance

Very high - - - - - - - - - - - -

High - - - - - - - - - - - -

Medium - - - - - - - - - - - -

10 Technical Guidance

Available

100.

0

100.0 100.0 100.0 - - - - 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

Not available 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 - - - - 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

B OUTPUT DELIVERY

1 Milk Price( Rs./lit )

Adequate 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 - - - - 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Low 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 - - - - 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

2 Payment of Milk

Immediate 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 - - - - 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Within 2 days 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 - - - - 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Within 15 days 100.0 100.0 100. 100.0 - - - - 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

More than 15 days 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 - - - - 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

3 incentives or bonus for

supplying milk

Adequate -* - - - - - - - -* - - -

Low - - - - - - - - - - - -

113

Not Available 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 - - - - 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

4 Acceptability cross-bred

cow milk in family

Poor 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 - - - - - - - -

Acceptable 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 - - - - - - - -

Not acceptable 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 - - - - - - - -

5 Advance payment for milk

by society/ vendors

Available 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 - - - - - - - -

Not available 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 - - - - - - - -

Source: Field Survey Data.

* No incentive bonus is given for supplying milk

As regards to delivery of cattle feed the DCS households depended on the cooperatives as

well as private agents while NDCS ones had to rely solely on the private agents operating in

the neighbourhood. In both cases, however, the supply of cattle feed was found inadequate

(Table 7.1 and Table 7.2). Service delivery like balanced cattle feed has long drawn impact

on cattle health and productivity. Adequacy and timeliness in such provisions is of utmost

importance. But 77.5 per cent of the total DCS households complained about insufficiency

of the cattle feed provided by the cooperatives while 73.8 per cent criticized the private

agents. On the other hand 92.5 per cent of NDCS families complained against the private

agents for inadequacy of supply of cattle feed. However insufficient the supply of feed

might be, most of the households could purchase it on credit from private agents only.

There was no provision of credit from the dairy cooperatives. A section of DCS farmers

responded in negation as to the credit facility provided by the private agents. Cattle feed

and mineral mixtures, when purchased from open market or private agents had been much

costlier than that been supplied by the cooperatives. Almost all the DCS households found

supply price of feed and mineral mixture provided by cooperative societies to be

reasonable. Emergency veterinary service in general was made available by the private

agents in all the villages though charges for such had been high. Vaccines too, been supplied

by the private agents, were inadequate in supply and poor in quality as complained by the

respondents. Semen had also been insufficient in supply. There had been no provision of

loan for purchasing cattle by the cooperative societies as well as the private agents for DCS

households. NDCS being marginally better off in terms of their resources and credibility

found provision for such loans inadequate. As we have mentioned earlier that no household

was found in course of the village survey to have insured the cattle, hence, the households

refrained from registering their answers as regards to insurance charges. Technical guidance

was found adequately provided by both dairy cooperatives and the private agents.

114

Table 7.2: Details of Input and Output Service Delivery experienced by NDCS households

No

Particulars

Service Provider (% of response) - NDCS

PDCS Agent Private agent

SM MM LM TM SM MM LM TM SM MM LM TM

A Input Delivery (%)

1 Supply of Cattle Feed

Adequate - - - - - - - - 10.0 5.0 7.5 7.5

Inadequate - - - - - - - - 90.0 95.0 92.5 92.5

Not Available - - - - - - - - 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

2 Cattle feed & fodder seed

on Credit

Available - - - - - - - - 75.0 65.0 82.5 74.2

Not Available - - - - - - - - 25.0 35.0 17.5 25.8

3 Cost of cattle feed &

mineral mixture

High - - - - - - - - 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

ok - - - - - - - - 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Not Available - - - - - - - -

4 Emergency Veterinary

Services (EVS)

Available - - - - - - - - 100.0 100.0 100. 100.0

Not Available - - - - - - - - 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Charges for EVS

High - - - - - - - - 100.0 100.0 95.0 98.3

Medium - - - - - - - - 0.0 0.0 5.0 1.7

Low - - - - - - - - 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Rs/Visit - - - - - - - -

5 Vaccines

Adequate - - - - - - - - 5.0 2.5 0.0 2.5

Inadequate - - - - - - - - 95.0 97.5 100.0 97.5

Not Available - - - - - - - - 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

6

Delivery & applications of

quality & requisite quantity

of vaccines

Yes - - - - - - - - 5.0 2.5 0.0 2.5

No - - - - - - - - 95.0 97.5 100.0 97.5

7 Semen at the AI centre

Adequate - - - - - - - - 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Inadequate - - - - - - - - 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

Not Available - - - - - - - - 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

8

Provision of loan in society

or govt. for Purchasing

cattle

Adequate - - - - - - - -

Inadequate - - - - - - - - 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0

Not Available - - - - - - - - 75.0 75.0 75.0 75.0

9 Charges for insurance

Very high - - - - - - - - - - - -

High - - - - - - - - - - - -

Medium - - - - - - - - - - - -

10 Technical Guidance

Available

100.0 100.

0

100.

0

100.0 - - - - 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

Not available 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 - - - - 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

B OUTPUT DELIVERY

1 Milk Price( Rs./lit )

Adequate 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 - - - - 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Low 100.0 100.0 - 100.0 - - - - 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

2 Payment of Milk

Immediate 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 - - - - 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Within 2 days 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 - - - - 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Within 15 days 100.0 100.0 - 100.0 - - - - 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

More than 15 days 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 - - - - 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

3 incentives or bonus for

supplying milk

115

Adequate - - - - - - - - - - - -

Low - - - - - - - - - - - -

Not Available - - - - - - - - 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

4 Acceptability cross-bred

cow milk in family

Poor - - - - - - - - 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Acceptable - - - - - - - - 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

Not acceptable - - - - - - - - 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

5 Advance payment for milk

by society/ vendors

Available - - - - - - - - 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Not available - - - - - - - - 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

Source: Field Survey Data.

Being a highly perishable output disposal of liquid milk is of extreme importance for growth

of the dairy sector. Regularity and adequacy in output service delivery is hence necessary.

All the milk producers found the milk procurement price to be low whether being disposed

with cooperatives or private vendors. However, the regularity of payment differed between

the societies and vendors. Payment from society was received by the suppliers within a

week or at most two. But for payment from private agents they had to wait for a month.

Nonetheless as regards to disposals none of the households complained about irregularity

of payment from DCS though few complained about delayed payment by private agents.

There had been no incentive bonus and advance payment to the producers either by

cooperative societies or the private agents for supplying milk in the villages of the present

study. Though the farmers responded in affirmative as to the acceptability of cross bred

milk in the family, but in the previous chapter we had observed that the families prefer milk

of the local cow for their own consumption.

7.3 Infrastructural Constraints

Proper infrastructural support to the farmers is one of the necessary conditions for

development of dairy farming at the village level. As of infrastructure, it was found that the

households mainly suffered from lack of improved equipment and training facilities,

irregularity of supply of cattle feed, vaccines, semen at AI centre and infrequent visit of

veterinary staff (Table 7.3). This had been the situation in all the villages irrespective of

having cooperative society or not. But the farmers never complained about inconveniences

as regards to delivery time of milk throughout the year even under extreme climatic

conditions.

116

Table 7.3: Details on Infrastructural Constraints faced by Selected Households

No. Particulars Infrastructural Constraints (IC) (% to total responses )

DCS households NDCS households

SM MM LM TM SM MM LM TM

1 Lack of improved equipment

Never 0.0 5.0 7.5 12.5 0.0 0.0 10.0 10.0

Sometime 15.0 27.5 50.0 92.5 5.0 37.5 40.0 82.5

Always 85.0 67.5 42.5 65.0 95.0 62.5 50.0 69.2

2 Irregular & inadequate supply of cattle

feed

Never 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Sometime 7.5 25.0 40.0 24.2 10.0 27.5 32.5 23.3

Always 92.5 75.0 60.0 75.8 90.0 72.5 67.5 76.7

3 Unavailability of emergency veterinary

services

Never 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Sometime 2.5 22.5 35.0 20.0 10.0 25.0 25.0 20.0

Always 97.5 77.5 65.0 80.0 90.0 75.0 75.0 80.0

4 Infrequent visit of veterinary staff

Never 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Sometime 17.5 20.0 32.5 23.3 7.5 35.0 20.0 20.8

Always 82.5 80.0 67.5 76.7 92.5 65.0 80.0 79.2

5 Unavailability of vaccines

Never 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Sometime 17.5 17.5 30.0 21.7 15.0 27.5 22.5 21.7

Always 82.5 82.5 70.0 78.3 85.0 72.5 77.5 78.3

6 Occasional Availability of semen at the AI

centre

Never 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Sometime 5.0 12.5 12.5 10.0 7.5 10.0 25.0 14.2

Always 95.0 87.5 87.5 90.0 92.5 90.0 75.0 85.8

7 Lack of training facilities

Never 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Sometime 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Always 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

8 Unsuitability of the time of delivery of

milk during winters due to bitter cold in

early hours of the day

Never 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

Sometime 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Always 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

9 Unavailability of green/dry fodder

throughout the year

Never 22.5 30.0 25.0 25.8 5.0 27.5 20.0 17.5

Sometime 77.5 70.0 75.0 74.2 95.0 72.5 80.0 82.5

Always 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

10 Unavailability of cattle feed and fodder

seed on credit

Never 0.0 20.0 30.0 16.7 5.0 12.5 32.5 16.7

Sometime 10.0 47.5 55.0 37.5 10.0 42.5 52.5 35.0

Always 90.0 32.5 15.0 45.8 85.0 45.0 15.0 48.3

11 Low average milk yield of the milk

animals

Never 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Sometime 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Always 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

Source: Field Survey Data.

117

7.4 Economic Constraints

The agrarian sector in West Bengal, as we all know, is dominated by marginal and small

farmers. And in the present study we have seen the eight villages of our concern were no

exception to that. So far as the economic capabilities are concerned households of the

present study remained enveloped in the lower deciles of economic hierarchy though there

had been obvious differences between the size-classes and around membership of

cooperative societies. Households in general were faced with economic hardship.

Table 7.4: Details on Economic Constraints faced by Selected Households

No. Particulars

Economic Constraints (EC) (% to total responses )

DCS households NDCS households

SM MM LM TM SM MM LM TM

1 High cost of fodder seed

Never 0.0 10.0 10.0 6.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Sometime 65.0 72.5 55.0 64.2 12.5 40.0 37.5 30.0

Always 35.0 17.5 35.0 29.2 87.5 60.0 62.5 70.0

2 Delay in payment of milk

Never 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 50.0 52.5 57.5 53.3

Sometime 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 50.0 47.5 42.5 46.7

Always 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

3 Low price of milk offered

Never 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Sometime 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Always 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

4 High cost of cross bred cow

Never 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Sometime 0.0 32.5 47.5 26.7 5.0 27.5 42.5 25.0

Always 100.0 67.5 52.5 73.3 95.0 72.5 57.5 75.0

5 High cost of veterinary medicines

Never 0.0 0.0 0.00 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Sometime 0.0 17.5 40.0 19.2 0.0 20.0 52.5 24.2

Always 100.0 82.5 60.0 80.8 100.0 80.0 47.5 75.8

6

High cost of cattle feed and mineral

mixture

Never 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Sometime 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Always 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

7

Low provision of loan in society or govt.

for purchasing cattle

Never 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Sometime 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 12.5 20.0 10.8

Always 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 87.5 80.0 89.2

8

Low incentives or bonus for supplying

milk

Never 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Sometime 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Always 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

9

High charges of emergency veterinary

services

Never 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Sometime 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Always 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

10 High charges for insurance

Never NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

Sometime NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

Always NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

Source: Field Survey Data., *NA= Not Applicable.

118

Economic adversity had a direct bearing on their responses regarding economic constraints that

they are faced with. High cost of feed and mineral mixture, veterinary medicines emergency

veterinary services added with low price of milk are major economic hurdles (Table 7.4). A section of

NDCS farmers, however, complained about delay in payment by the private vendors.

7.5 Marketing Constraints

The households in general seemed unaware about marketing strategies of their own (Table 7.5). It

might have been due to the practice that either they poured the milk in society’s procurement

centre or the vendors collected the milk from door steps. These had been the assured channel of

milk disposal. Hence, lack of time for marketing or risk taking behavior had been none of their

concern. The farmers, however, were looking for advance payment for milk. In face of increasing

prices of feed, fodder, vaccination and medicines this had been their priority. In addition, there were

fewer opportunities to market homemade value added milk products like Ghee or Paneer or even

sweets.

Table 7.5: Details on Marketing Constraints faced by Selected Households

No.

Constraints

Marketing Constraints (MC) (% to total responses )

DCS households NDCS households

SM MM LM TM SM MM LM TM

1 Irregular sell of milk

Never 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

Sometime 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Always 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

2 Lack of time for marketing

Never NR* NR NR NR NR NR NR NR

Sometime NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR

Always NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR

3

Less knowledge about marketing

strategies

Never NR* NR NR NR NR NR NR NR

Sometime NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR

Always NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR

4 Low risk taking behaviour

Never NR* NR NR NR NR NR NR NR

Sometime NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR

Always NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR

5

No or less advance payment for

milk by society/venders

Never 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Sometime 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Always 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

6

Inability to market for value

added products

Never 5.0 20.0 12.5 12.5 7.5 5.0 10.0 7.5

Sometime 17.5 22.5 27.5 22.5 12.5 22.5 30.0 21.7

Always 77.5 57.5 60.0 65.0 80.0 72.5 60.0 70.8

Source: Field Survey Data., NR-Not Reported

119

7.6 Technical Constraints

All household irrespective of their location in DCS village or not are faced with all technical

constraints. In Table 7.6 we find that both DCS and NDCS households were complaining

against poor conception rate through AI, poor knowledge about proper feeding and health

care and cheap and scientific housing for animals. Unavailability of high genetic merit bull

had been a general phenomenon and farmers thus had to depend on AI.

Table 7.6: Details on Technical Constraints faced by Selected Households

No.

Constraints

Technical Constraints (TC) (% to total responses )

DCS households NDCS households

SM MM LM TM SM MM LM TM

1 Lack of technical guidance

Never 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

Sometime 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Always 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

2

Unavailability of high genetic merit

bull

Never 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Sometime 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Always 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

3

Poor conception rate through

artificial insemination

Never 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Sometime 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Always 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

4

Poor knowledge about Feeding and

health care

Never 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Sometime 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Always 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

5

Lack of knowledge about cheap &

scientific housing of animal

Never 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Sometime 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Always 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

Source: Field Survey Data.

7.7 Socio-Psychological Constraints

Details of socio-psychological constraints faced by the farmers are presented in Table 7.7.

Main constraints for DCS and NDCS farmers turned out to be lack of purchasing power

resulting out of lower socio-economic conditions. However, there were few households in

middle and large size groups in both types of villages who were in disagreement with the

proposition that lower socio-economic condition had a bearing on their behavior.

120

Table 7.7: Details on Socio-Psychological Constraints faced by Selected Households

No.

Constraints

Socio-Psychological Constraints (SC) (% to total responses )

DCS households NDCS households

SM MM LM TM SM MM LM TM

1 Lower socio- economic conditions

Never 0.0 10.0 17.5 9.2 0.0 2.5 17.5 6.7

Sometime 2.5 37.5 50.0 30.0 0.0 27.5 30.0 19.2

Always 97.5 52.5 32.5 60.8 100.0 70.0 52.5 74.2

2 Lack of purchasing power

Never 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Sometime 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Always 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

3

Lack of time due to busy in

domestic/ agricultural work

Never 92.5 92.5 90.0 91.7 90.0 72.5 77.5 80.0

Sometime 7.5 7.5 10.0 8.3 10.0 27.5 22.5 20.0

Always 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

4

Lack of cooperation and

coordination among members

Never NR* NR NR NR NR NR NR NR

Sometime NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR

Always NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR

5

Milk producers are meant for

influential people

Never NR* NR NR NR NR NR NR NR

Sometime NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR

Always NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR

6

Milk of cross-bred cow has poor

acceptability (family members )

Never 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

Sometime 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Always 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Source: Field Survey Data., NR- Not Reported

7.8 Other Constraints

Among other constraints faced by both types of households, lack of awareness about quality

milk production, lack of finance for investment, lack of veterinary services and proper

medicines and equipment, knowledge about mastitis and lack of poor milk testing facilities

were found important (Table 7.8). The NDCS households in addition complained against lack

of milk chilling facilities in the village.

121

Table 7.8: Details on Other Constraints faced by Selected Households

No. Constraints

Other Constraints (OC) (% to total responses )

DCS households NDCS households

SM MM LM TM SM MM LM TM

1 Unavailability of chilling facilities at village level for milk preservation 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 65.0 62.5 65.0 64.2

2 Diversion of feed and fodder ingredients for industrial use

NR* NR NR NR NR NR NR NR

3 Majority of grazing lands are either degraded or encroached 42.5 7.5 20.0 23.3 25.0 15.0 27.5 22.5

4 Poor access to organized markets deprive farmers in getting proper milk price 2.5 7.5 27.5 12.5 0.0 30.0 37.5 22.5

5 Irregular quality electricity supply 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

6 Poor irrigation facility to grow fodder crops 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

7 Non availability of improved fodder seed 27.5 17.5 5.0 16.7 95.0 65.0 75.0 78.3

8 Poor livestock extension services 27.5 20.0 25.0 24.2 62.5 62.5 50.0 58.3

9 Poor knowledge about scientific animal husbandry practices and dairy farming 35.0 50.0 50.0 45.0 62.5 60.0 55.0 59.2

10 Poor knowledge of mastitis (mastitis in dairy animal ) in dairy animals 82.5 72.5 62.5 72.5 97.5 87.5 77.5 87.5

11 Lack of awareness about quality milk production 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

12 Poor housing to milch animals 30.0 25.0 12.5 22.5 47.5 40.0 10.0 32.5

13 Unavailability of medicine and equipment required for quality milk production 65.0 50.0 65.0 60.0 77.5 60.0 57.5 65.0

14 Lack of milk testing and animal screening facilities 62.5 30.0 60.0 50.8 52.5 52.5 52.5 52.5

15 Lack of veterinary services in village for quality milk production 65.0 50.0 65.0 60.0 77.5 60.0 57.5 65.0

16 Lack of nutrition’s feed for quality milk production 42.5 57.5 50.0 50.0 72.5 47.5 65.0 61.7

17 Lack of ecto parasites control programmes NAW# NAW NAW NAW NAW NAW NAW NAW

18 Lack of finance to invest in dairy business for quality milk production/ Inadequate finance

100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

19 Lack of necessary space required for tying the milking animals 2.5 20.0 32.5 18.3 0.0 30.0 25.0 18.3

20 Lack of marketing facility for dairy business 20.0 20.0 22.5 20.8 60.0 60.0 52.5 57.5

21 Uneconomical capital investment on quality milk production

NAW NAW NAW NAW NAW NAW NAW NAW

22 Lack of water supply 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

23 Inadequate labour supply 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

24 Ecological factors- High heat/temperature, High cold, etc

0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

25 Competition from established and large units 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

26 Difficulty to store milk in summer 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

27 low acceptability of AI in buffalo NA+ NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

28 Disease outbreak: mortality and morbidity 27.5 17.5 25.0 23.3 37.5 40.0 32.5 36.7

29 Politics in Cooperative is not good NR NR NR NR NR NR NR NR

Source: Field Survey Data, *NR-Not Responded; #NAW-Not Aware, +NA-Not Applicable (As no Buffalo)

122

7.9 Suggestions

Suggestions were sought from the respondents as to their opinion regarding development

of the dairy sector in the villages. Irrespective of their locational specificity and position in

the size-class hierarchy suggestions centered on a number of parameters that in their

assessment could improve the situation and expedite development process. As suggested

by the farmers there were urgent need to improve the service delivery along with reducing

the cost of medical and veterinary services including AI (Table 7.9). Moreover, regular and

timely availability of these services should be ensured. Farmers felt that they were lacking

proper technical knowledge for managing the dairy enterprise. So, provisions could be

extended to impart scientific and technical knowhow to the farmers. Veterinary literature

should be made available at the village level. But over and above all there had been a

unanimous demand to enhance the milk procurement price by the milk cooperative

societies as well as by the private vendors. It is a fact that the private vendors operated

outside the purview of the milk societies and functioned in a manner that the individual

farmers had been in a no-bargain situation as regards to price. Prices offered by the

middlemen in this sector were rather low. Hence, the NDCS farmers were looking for village

level outlets for milk and milk products.

Future Challenges

West Bengal features an ever increasing population on a fertile land. In thickly populated

villages it is the marginal and small cultivators who are of sizeable majority. In addition

there are landless populations who are mostly wage earners. Still cropping is the main

source of livelihood in the rural areas of the state. This was reflected in the results of the

present study. We have mentioned that the farmers in the villages tried to pursue dairy

activities as an alternative source of income. As a means of living animal husbandry in

general and dairy enterprises in particular could play a significant role. But tiny producers

scattered over the whole of the state have to be roped in a form of society that could

render the necessary assistance to them. With such intensions the dairy cooperative

societies were established. But outreach of these societies is still very limited and a large

section of dairy farmers are left out of the little benefits that are being imparted by the

primary dairy societies. The cooperative societies, on the other hand, are faced with a

number of governance restrictions and other limitations of which we shall be discussing

123

later in this chapter. Presently we take up the constraints faced by the primary dairy

cooperative societies.

Table 7.9: Suggestions for improvement in adoption of dairy schemes

Sr. No Suggestions % of response to DCS % of response to NDCS

SM MM LM TM SM MM LM TM

1 Marketing facilities be provided at village

level for the outlet of milk and milk products 20.0 20.0 22.5 20.8 60.0 60.0 52.5 57.5

2 Providing technical knowledge to manage

the dairy Enterprise 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

3 There should be regular and planned supply

of vaccines (100%) 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

4 Subsidies should be given on certain inputs

like veterinary medicines, fodder seeds, etc. 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

5 Enhanced milk price for the producers 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

6 Loan sanction procedure should be made

easy 7.5 30.0 40.0 25.8 0.0 10.0 22.5 10.8

7 The loan amount for the purchase dairy

animals need to be increased 2.5 12.5 27.5 14.2 0.0 7.5 5.0 4.2

8 Concentrates should be made available at

cheaper rate and in time 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

9 Providing proper A.I. facility at village level

/door step 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

10 Cost of veterinary services need to be

reduced 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

11 Provide veterinary literature in village 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

12 Small scale dairy industries be encouraged at

village level 10.0 32.5 35.0 25.8 7.5 17.5 30.0 18.3

13 Need to improve service delivery

100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

Source: Field Survey Data

7.10 Constraints faced by PDCS /Private Dairy Units

Major constraints faced by the cooperative societies could be classified into three broad

categories viz. milk supply related, infrastructural and market related constraints. From

Table 7.10 it is seen that inability on the part of DCS to make advance payment to milk

producers is visualized as one of the major hurdles. The DCSs were unable to provide feed

and fodder seeds on credit. Inadequate and irregular supply of milk had been a problem in

Bankura and Nadia. However, all the DCS were of the opinion that the average milk yield in

the respective areas was sometimes low. Unavailability of emergency veterinary services

and infrequent visit by veterinary staff had been a serious obstacle in Nadia, North and

South Twenty Four Parganas. Large number of small producers in Nadia and South Twenty

Four Parganas posed serious problem of monitoring and follow-up activities by the DCSs. In

Bankua, South and North Twenty Four Parganas Scarcity of green fodder throughout the

year had also been a serious problem.

124

Table 7.10: Milk Supply related Constraints faced by the PDCS & Private Dairy Units

No. Constraints Milk Supply related Constraints faced by (% to total responses)

PDCS (% to total responses) PDU (% to total responses)

Bankura Nadia South 24

Parganas

North 24

Parganas

Bankura Nadia South 24

Parganas

North 24

Parganas

1 High number of small producers

Never 25.0 0.0 0.0 25.0 - - - -

Sometime 0.0 12.5 0.0 0.0 - - - -

Always 0.0 12.5 25.0 0.0 - - - -

2 No or less provision for advance payment for milk by society or vendors

Never 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 - - - -

Sometime 0.0 12.5 0.0 0.0 - - - -

Always 25.0 12.5 25.0 25.0 - - - -

3 Unable to provide cattle feed and fodder seed on credit to members

Never 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 - - - -

Sometime 0.0 0.0 0.0 25.0 - - - -

Always 25.0 25.0 25.0 0.0 - - - -

4 Poor Quality milk

Never 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 - - - -

Sometime 25.0 25.0 25.0 0.0 - - - -

Always 0.0 0.0 0.0 25.0 - - - -

5 Irregular & inadequate supply of milk

Never 0.0 0.0 25.0 25.0 - - - -

Sometime 12.5 25.0 0.0 0.0 - - - -

Always 12.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 - - - -

6 Late delivery

Never 25.0 0.0 25.0 0.0 - - - -

Sometime 0.0 25.0 0.0 25.0 - - - -

Always 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 - - - -

7 Unavailability of emergency veterinary services

Never 25.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 - - - -

Sometime 0.0 25.0 12.5 25.0 - - - -

Always 0.0 0.0 12.5 0.0 - - - -

8 Infrequent visit of veterinary staff

Never 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 - - - -

Sometime 25.0 25.0 12.5 12.5 - - - -

Always 0.0 0.0 12.5 12.5 - - - -

9 Unavailability of vaccines

Never 25.0 25.0 25.0 0.0 - - - -

Sometime 0.0 0.0 0.0 12.5 - - - -

Always 0.0 0.0 0.0 12.5 - - - -

10 Occasional availability of semen at the AI centre

Never 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 - - - -

Sometime 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 - - - -

Always 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 - - - -

11 Unsuitability of the time of delivery of milk during winters due to bitter

cold in early hours of the day

Never 25.0 25.0 12.5 0.0 - - - -

Sometime 0.0 0.0 12.5 25.0 - - - -

Always 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 - - - -

12 Unavailability of green/ dry fodder throughout the year

Never 0.0 25.0 0.0 0.0 - - - -

Sometime 25.0 0.0 0.0 25.0 - - - -

Always 0.0 0.0 25.0 0.0 - - - -

13 Low average milk yield of the milk animals in area

Never 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 - - - -

Sometime 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 - - - -

Always 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 - - - -

14 Lack of cooperation and coordination among members

Never 25.0 25.0 0.0 0.0 - - - -

Sometime 0.0 0.0 25.0 25.0 - - - -

Always 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 - - - -

Source: Field Survey Data.

Note: There were no PDU in the districts under consideration.

125

Among the infrastructural constraints lack of training facilities and necessary space for diary

activities turned out to be major constraints (Table 7.11). In addition lack of improved

equipment and scarcity of decentralized chilling facilities sometimes posed hindrance to

activities of DCSs.

Table 7.11: Infrastructure related Constraints faced by the PDCS & Private Dairy Units

No. Constraints Infrastructure related Constraints faced by (% to total responses)

PDCS (% to total responses) PDU (% to total responses)

Bankura Nadia South 24

Parganas

North 24

Parganas

Bankura Nadia South 24

Parganas

North 24

Parganas

1 Unavailability of chilling facilities at village level for milk preservation.

Never 12.5 25.0 0.0 0.0 - - - -

Sometime 12.5 0.0 25.0 0.0 - - - -

Always 0.0 0.0 0.0 25.0 - - - -

2 Lack of improved equipment

Never 0.0 25.0 0.0 0.0 - - - -

Sometime 12.5 0.0 0.0 25.0 - - - -

Always 12.5 0.0 25.0 0.0 - - - -

3 Lack of necessary space required for dairy operation

Never 0.0 25.0 0.0 0.0 - - - -

Sometime 12.5 0.0 12.5 25.0 - - - -

Always 12.5 0.0 12.5 0.0 - - - -

4 Lack of training facilities

Never 0.0 25.0 0.0 0.0 - - - -

Sometime 12.5 0.0 0.0 25.0 - - - -

Always 12.5 0.0 25.0 0.0 - - - -

Source: Field Survey Data.

Note: There were no PDU in the districts under consideration.

Table 7.12: Market related Constraints faced by the PDCS & Private Dairy Units

No. Constraints Market related Constraints faced by (% to total responses)

PDCS (% to total responses) PDU (% to total responses)

Bankura Nadia South 24

Parganas

North 24

Parganas

Bankura Nadia South 24

Parganas

North 24

Parganas

1 Inability to market for value-added products

Never 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 - - - -

Sometime 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 - - - -

Always 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 - - - -

2 Competition from private dairy

Never 25.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 - - - -

Sometime 0.0 0.0 12.5 25.0 - - - -

Always 0.0 25.0 12.5 0.0 - - - -

3 Poor Road infrastructure

Never 0.0 25.0 0.0 0.0 - - - -

Sometime 12.5 0.0 0.0 25.0 - - - -

Always 12.5 0.0 25.0 0.0 - - - -

4 Unstable prices of milk

Never 12.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 - - - -

Sometime 12.5 25.0 25.0 25.0 - - - -

Always 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 - - - -

5 Competition from imported dairy product

Never 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 - - - -

Sometime 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 - - - -

Always 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 - - - -

Source: Field Survey Data.

Note: There were no PDU in the districts under consideration.

126

Market related constraints included DCS’s inability to market value added milk products in

all districts. In fact there was no provision at the DCS level to process milk and produce

value added products. The DCSs generally collected and chilled the milk in their chilling

plant located centrally and transport it to the milk unions. The DCSs of Nadia, North and

South Twenty Four Parganas faced competition from private dairy operating in the districts

(Table 7.12). The primary dairy cooperatives of Bankura and North Twenty Four Parganas

complained about occasionally poor roadway infrastructure. In South twenty Four Parganas

roadway communication had long been difficult. Instability of milk price was another

difficulty faced by DCSs.

7.11 Constraints faced by Milk Unions

There were, however, various issues as regards to functioning of the milk unions in the

districts. First and foremost was deficiency in skilled manpower of which all the milk unions

were suffering (Table 7.13). In Nadia skilled personnel in key positions like product

marketing and managerial work for DCS were priority. Almost all the milk unions suffered

from manpower shortage.

Technical constraints included unavailability of required inputs, technical knowhow and

instruments to detect adulterants in milk, state of the art technology for quick fat detection.

In view of poor electric supply in South Twenty Four Parganas, there was demand for bulk

milk cooler runby solar energy. North Twenty Four Parganas, however, did not report any

technical constraint.

As far as the governance issues were concerned, it was observed that some of the milk

unions were looking for autonomy and staff recruitment for smooth functioning and

monitoring of the MU and the DCSs. Formation of new Board of Directors was a necessity in

Nadia for good governance. In Bankura, the political intervention must have been posing

hindrance for effective operation of the MU.

Gradual increase in overhead expenditure coupled with decreasing quantum of milk

procurement had resulted in a severe financial crisis in the districts of Nadia and North

Twenty Four Parganas.

There were few valuable suggestions by the responsible administrative authorities of the

milk unions so as to enhance the dairy practices. In the face of increasing price level and

127

intervention of private players in the sector, remunerative and competitive price for milk

might be offered to motivate dairy farmers for production of quality milk. Processing plants

are of urgent importance for production of value added milk products. Increasing awareness

and imparting training as regards to milking own cow to the farmers was thought essential

to get rid of their dependency on milk vendors.

Table 7.13: Constraints faced by Milk Unions-West Bengal Sr.

No

Particulars Constraints faced by Milk Unions in West Bengal

1 Milk Union

(Name)

Bankura Nadia South 24 Parganas North 24 Parganas

2 Constraints faced

a Manpower

Constraints (eg.

Problems In

Recruiting Staff,

Etc.)

• There is acute

shortage of skilled

manpower.

• Fresh recruitment

is also a problem.

• Acute shortage of

manpower in key

positions like Product

marketing, DCS

Supervisory work and

Milk Procurement

etc.

• Formationof Board of

Directors is

necessary.

• Skilled personnel for running

the MU and DCSs are

required.

• New recruitments are

necessary.

• Insufficiency of

skilled manpower.

• Fresh recruitment

is not possible

due to financial

hardship.

b Technical

Constraints

• There is shortfall in

technical

assistance.

• Availability of

inputs remains a

constant problem.

• Technical assistance

with availability of

instruments for

detection of

adulterants (like

whey water, veg. oil)

in milk on spot is

highly needed during

milk collection at

reception centre

• Bulk milk cooler with solar

panel are required for the

district where the electricity

connectivity and supply is

poor.

• Fat detection technique

being used presently takes

time. Updated technology

for detection of fat is

required.

• For ensuring the cold chain

for milk supply non-

conventional sources of

energy (e.g. solar panel)

might be an alternative.

• No problem as

regards to

availability and

supply of inputs.

c Governance

Issues

• Autonomy may be

given to decide

producers’ and

consumers’ price

for milk.

• Autonomy in

recruitment and

transfer of staff is

required for

smooth

functioning.

• Political

interference poses

hindrance in

functioning of the

MU.

• The Milk Union is

managed by its bye-

laws, WBCS Act &

Rules. Formation &

functioning of Board

of Directors as per

bye-laws of the Milk

Union is essential for

good governance.

• As many areas of this district

is very remote and is difficult

to commute, day to day

monitoring becomes a little

difficult in view of scarcity of

personnel.

• Payment for milk

procurement must be

computerized with the

central server at MU office

so that the books of

accounts could be

maintained properly.

• The Milk Union

functions as per

rules of West

Bengal

Cooperative

Society Act &

Rules.

• The Union

operates under

the technical and

administrative

guidance of West

Bengal Milk

Federation and

NDDB.

d Financial

Constraints

• There is no

financial constraint.

• Gradual

enhancement of

overhead

expenditure,

decreasing quantum

of milk procurement

and low milk price

retention are the

major financial

constraints.

• Acute financial

• At present there is little

financial hardship.

• With decrease in

the quantity of

milk procurement

the Union is faced

with severe

financial hardship.

128

stringency is posing

hindrance in day to

day functioning.

3 Any Other

suggestion

- • The MU is facing an

uneven competition

in milk procurement

in the face of higher

milk price offered by

private units

irrespective of the

quality of milk.

• Competitive milk

price is needed to

ensure the quality &

quantity of milk

supplied by the

farmers and

motivating them to

join DCS.

• Increasing awareness

and imparting

training as regards to

milking own cow to

the farmers is

essential to get rid of

their dependency on

milk vendors.

• Farmers are to be motivated

for improving the quality of

milk through remunerative

price.

• Value added dairy products

should be produced with

establishment of processing

plant.

• Farmers are to be motivated

to insure the cattle.

-

4 Potential For

Future

- • Extension of input

distribution and

transfer of modern

technology through

DCS would add

impetus to better

entrepreneurship.

• Creation of extensive

infrastructure for

milk reception

centres through DCS

would help the

farmers to cope with

exploitation by the

middlemen.

• Extension of plants

for milk processing

and manufacturing

value added milk

products might be

helpful in offering

better price for liquid

milk to the farmers.

• Improvement of roadway

infrastructure to Kolkata can

open up new marketing

avenues.

-

Source: As reported by the Managing Directors of the Milk Unions.

7.11 Chapter Summary

Constraint faced by Producers

As regards to delivery of cattle feed from the DCS and private agents it was found

inadequate. Most of the households could purchase cattle feed on credit from private

agents only. There was no provision of credit from the dairy cooperatives. Cattle feed and

mineral mixtures, when purchased from open market or private agents had been much

costlier than that been supplied by the cooperatives.

129

Emergency veterinary service in general was made available by the private agents in all the

villages though charges for such had been high. Vaccines too, been supplied by the private

agents, were inadequate in supply and poor in quality. Semen had also been insufficient in

supply.

All the milk producers found the milk procurement price to be low whether being disposed

with cooperatives or private vendors. However, the regularity of payment differed between

the societies and vendors. There had been no incentive bonus and advance payment to the

producers either by cooperative societies or the private agents for supplying milk.

As of infrastructure, it was found that the households mainly suffered from lack of improved

equipment and training facilities, irregularity of supply of cattle feed, vaccines, semen at AI

centre and infrequent visit of veterinary staff.

High cost of feed and mineral mixture, veterinary medicines emergency veterinary services

added with low price of milk are major economic hurdles.

The households in general seemed unaware about marketing strategies of their own. Lack

of time for marketing or risk taking behavior had been none of their concern.

Both DCS and NDCS households were complaining against poor conception rate through AI,

poor knowledge about proper feeding and health care and cheap and scientific housing for

animals.

Main constraints for DCS and NDCS farmers turned out to be lack of purchasing power

resulting out of lower socio-economic conditions.

Among other constraints lack of awareness about quality milk production, lack of finance for

investment, lack of veterinary services and proper medicines and equipment, knowledge

about mastitis and lack of poor milk testing facilities were found important.

As suggested by the farmers there were urgent need to improve the service delivery along

with reducing the cost of medical and veterinary services including AI. Moreover, regular

and timely availability of these services should be ensured. Farmers felt that provisions

could be extended to impart scientific and technical knowhow to them.

130

Constraints faced by DCS

All the DCS were of the opinion that the average milk yield in the respective areas was

sometimes low. Unavailability of emergency veterinary services and infrequent visit by

veterinary staff had been a serious obstacle in Nadia, North and South Twenty Four

Parganas. Large number of small producers in Nadia and South Twenty Four Parganas posed

serious problem of monitoring and follow-up activities by the DCSs.

Among the infrastructural constraints lack of training facilities and necessary space for diary

activities turned out to be major constraints.

Market related constraints included DCS’s inability to market value added milk products in

all districts. In fact there was no provision at the DCS level to process milk and produce

value added products.

Constraints faced by MU

There was deficiency in skilled manpower of which all the milk unions were suffering.

Technical constraints included unavailability of required inputs, technical knowhow and

instruments to detect adulterants in milk, state of the art technology for quick fat detection.

As far as the governance issues were concerned, it was observed that some of the milk

unions were looking for autonomy and staff recruitment for smooth functioning and

monitoring of the MU and the DCSs. Formation of new Board of Directors and reduction in

political intervention was also necessary.

Gradual increase in overhead expenditure coupled with decreasing quantum of milk

procurement had resulted in a severe financial crisis in the districts of Nadia and North

Twenty Four Parganas.

Suggestions

In the face of increasing price level and intervention of private players in the sector,

remunerative and competitive price for milk might be offered to motivate dairy farmers for

production of quality milk. Processing plants are of urgent importance for production of

value added milk products. Increasing awareness and imparting training is also a necessity.

131

Chapter VIII

Conclusions and Recommendations

8.1 Conclusions

On the basis of the discussions made in the preceding chapters we come to the conclusions

that

• The State and Central Government policy has been providing necessary support for

dairy development in the state of West Bengal through co-operative sector.

• However, as against the estimated animals’ requirements, feed resources available

in West Bengal are lower.

• In West Bengal, however, there exists high incidence of non-descript cows in

comparison with the crossbred varieties.

• In terms of socio-economic parameters villages of four districts (both DCS and NDCS

villages) reveal more or less similar pattern. Families were mostly farming families

pursuing cultivation as their principal occupation. Most of the households took up

dairy enterprise as their subsidiary source of income. In the villages dairy enterprise

was being run solely by family labour. It is noteworthy to mention participation of

women family members remained crucial for such operation.

• Poor state of awareness about various dairy developments schemes were observed

among the NDCS households. For the DCS farmers knowledge had been imparted by

the milk cooperatives and milk unions functioning in the area. For the NDCS farmers,

however, source of their awareness had been fellow farmers and neighbours. A

dismal scenario was observed as regards to insurance coverage for the cattle in all

the villages regardless of DCS or NDCS.

• It is observed that labour cost has been the main component of total cost in all

cases. There might be over optimal use of family labour.

• The milk cooperatives, though operating in every district, were too small in number

to wrap the large number of small milk producers in respective areas. Moreover,

their procurement capacity had been rather small as compared to the supply of

liquid milk. And these cooperatives were faced with competition from the

132

enumerable private intermediaries who collected the milk from producer’s door

steps.

• Service delivery of cattle feed and fodder was found inadequate. Moreover, there

was no provision of credit from the dairy cooperatives. Cattle feed and mineral

mixtures, when purchased from open market or private agents had been much

costlier.

• Procurement price of milk had been non-remunerative for the farmers whether

purchased by cooperatives or private vendors.

• As of infrastructure, the households suffered from lack of improved equipment,

training facilities, irregularity of supply of cattle feed, vaccines, semen at AI centre

and infrequent visit of veterinary staff. Charges for emergency veterinary service

provided by private agents had been high.

• Lack of awareness about quality milk production and lack of finance for investment

had been important problems.

• All the DCS were of the opinion that the average milk yield in the respective areas

was sometimes low. Unavailability of emergency veterinary services and infrequent

visit by veterinary staff had been a serious obstacle. Large number of small

producers also posed serious problem of monitoring and follow-up activities by the

DCSs.

• There was severe deficiency in skilled manpower of which all the milk unions were

suffering. Technical constraints included unavailability of required inputs, technical

knowhow and instruments to detect adulterants in milk, state of the art technology

for quick fat detection. As far as the governance issues were concerned, it was

observed that some of the milk unions were looking for autonomy and staff

recruitment for smooth functioning and monitoring of the MU and the DCSs. Gradual

decrease in quantum of milk procurement has posed serious threat.

• Over and above all, there exists deficiency in secondary information as regards to

dairy sector development in villages, districts and the state in West Bengal.

133

8.2 Suggestions

• Innumerable small dairy farms are to be fastened in some sort of milk chain by the

cooperative societies. So, there is urgent need to enhance the number of PDCS in

each district to reduce the exploitation by private vendors.

• The infrastructure for milk procurement and transportation should be improved at

the DCS level.

• Enhanced operation of DCS offering remunerative price to farmers can motivate

them in joining the society and at the same time this partnership would be able to

make a dent in farmers’ economic hardship.

• Service delivery of feed and fodder to be enhanced. Provision for vaccinations and

emergency veterinary services including AI needed to be boosted. In this aspect DCSs

working at the village level could play an important role.

• Re-orientation and proper implementation of government policies for dairy

development at the grassroots must be taken care of. And in view of such re-

orientation more autonomy and funds are to be provided to DCS.

• For increasing awareness regarding scientific dairy farming new training programmes

need to be arranged especially for the women. These might be able serve twin

purposes of imparting improved consciousness among women regarding dairy

farming and might as well be supportive for women empowerment in the village

society. Department of Animal Husbandry of the State Government along with the

milk unions could take up such programmes.

• It remained essential that the farmers be motivated to insure their cattle for it

minimized the risk. Procedural changes, if necessary, can be thought of so that the

farmers can avail these benefits. Outreach of the facility needs to be provided at the

village level. For DCS membership insuring cattle might be made a mandatory

criterion.

• The DCSs were of opinion that there had been fluctuations in milk yield across

seasons. Proper and scientific dairy practices backed by better awareness supported

by government veterinary and DCS staff might be able to bring about a change in

such paucity.

134

• The milk unions be provided with skilled manpower for proper implementation and

monitoring of the operations of DCS. More autonomy in MUs’ functioning might be

necessary and political intervention must be restricted.

• Establishing milk processing plants in the districts are of urgent importance for

production of value added milk products that would ensure higher return.

• Offering remunerative price for milk is a decision that depends on the policy of the

government. In face of rising cost a hike in procurement price may be thought of

which in turn would motivate and improve economic conditions of the farmers.

• As such there are ample central and state sector schemes for development of animal

husbandry in general and dairy expansion in particular. Convergences of many of

such schemes were found in the survey area of this present study. But the scope and

coverage seemed somewhat restrictive. Policy re-orientation might be sought for

rejuvenating the dairy sector in the villages of West Bengal.

135

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138

Annexure I Comments on draft report

Assessment of the status of Dairying and Potential to improve

Socio-Economic Status of the Milk Producers and Convergence of all Central & State Schemes at District Level in West Bengal

Comments received from the Coordinating Centre

Agro-Economic Research Centre

For the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan

(Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India) Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidyanagar, Dist. Anand, Gujarat

1. Title of report Assessment of the status of Dairying and Potential

to improve Socio-Economic Status of the Milk Producers in West Bengal

2. Date of receipt of the Draft report

28/08/2017

3. Date of dispatch of the comments

29/09/2017

4. Comments on the Objectives of the study

Objectives of the study have been satisfied.

5. Comments on the methodology

As suggested, proper sampling and methodology have been used.

6. Comments on analysis,

organization, presentation etc.

Detailed analysis is undertaken and organized as suggested. Add Executive Summary.

7. References: Source of data is mentioned

8. General remarks: The study is a comprehensive study on dairy sector in West Bengal and suggested appropriate and feasible policy measures.

9. Overall view on acceptability of report: The report is acceptable after

incorporation of executive summary as mentioned above.

139

Annexure II

Action Taken based on Comments on draft report

Assessment of the status of Dairying and Potential to improve Socio-Economic Status of the Milk Producers in West Bengal

1. Title of report Necessary changes in the title have been incorporated.

2. Date of receipt of the comments

29/09/2017

3. Date of dispatch of the final report

21/10/2017

4. Comments on the Objectives of the study

No changes were suggested.

5. Comments on the methodology

No changes were suggested.

6. Comments on

analysis, organization, presentation etc.

Executive Summary has been incorporated.

7. References: No changes were suggested.

8. General remarks: No changes were suggested.

9. Acceptability of report: As proposed the Executive

Summary has been added and the final report is being submitted.

Authors